Helpline 0345 123 2304 helpline@tcf.org.uk
Our Helpline is open every day (10 am - 4 pm and 7 -10 pm).
If the line is busy please leave your name and number
and the next available volunteer will call you back as soon as they can.
Make 2020 the year you join us at a supportive event
Scottish Gathering
For bereaved parents, siblings or grandparents
1-3 May in Stirling
 You will be warmly welcomed in a safe, supportive and compassionate environment. Here you can speak freely about your loved one and share your precious memories with others who truly understand as we have all walked in your shoes.

North East England Supportive Gathering
22 -24 May in Bishop Auckland, Co Durham

Come and spend a few days away with others who understand what it means to be a bereaved parent. Here you can immerse yourself in the comfort and warmth of a dedicated team of bereaved parent supporters.

Just a few places remaining...
Overnight Retreat for Bereaved Siblings
1-3 May in Birmingham

From a previous attendee... " " For the first time (since losing my brother) I was in a room full of people who understood me. I could talk to people without fear of judgment, without the fear of making people uncomfortable or having to filter myself when things got awkward. I was surrounded by people I didn’t have to explain myself to..."

NEW Support Day in Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Saturday 15 February, 10.30 am - 4 pm

A supportive and strengthening day for everyone, whatever stage of your grieving journey Why struggle alone, when you can meet fellow travellers along this difficult path we tread. Come and share, learn and listen to others, lighten your load and go away with renewed strength and hope.

Please book for events early as places are limited. Bursaries are available in cases of financial hardship.
Focus on support for you in 2020
Focus on remembering
Handbook of Ideas for Remembering Our Child

A resource that you can dip into when looking for ways of honouring your child or sibling's memory. Everything here has been suggested by bereaved parents or close family members as something that has worked for them.

Time stretches out before us; we live our lives without the physical presence of the children or sibling we love so much. Nothing can take the place of their actual presence, but in their absence, we find ways to connect with them and experience a sense of closeness. That’s what this Handbook is aiming for, and hopefully you will find some good ideas here.

Sponsor a leaflet in memory of your loved one

We are urgently looking for a sponsor for our supportive leaflet, The Death of Our Partner's Child or Our Stepchild . The cost of sponsorship is £350 and we will include your dedication message in the leaflet. This is a lovely way to honour the memory of our loved one - by supporting the printing and distribution of our publications.

This year we will also be looking for sponsors for these leaflets:
* When Our Child Has Been Murdered
* Coping with Legal Proceedings After the Death of our Child
* A Mother's Grief
* When Our Grandchild Has Died
* Our Child's Digital Legacy
* The Death of a Younger Child (up to approx age 11)
* The Death of an Older Child or Teenager (ages 12-18)
* Grieving Multiple Losses of Children

Perhaps your support group, a member of your wider family, a family friend or your work colleagues would like to support your loss and remember your child or children by sponsoring one of the leaflets.

To find out more or to offer sponsorship email us or call 0345 120 3785.
Focus on supporting others
In 2020 we will be holding training days in Birmingham, Exeter, Liverpool and London .

Could you start a local support group?

As a group facilitator you would hold (often with others) a monthly group meeting for bereaved parents, siblings and/or grandparents. You will want to create a caring, safe and supportive atmosphere that encourages group members to share their grief and experiences. As a good facilitator you will do more listening than talking and will be resilient and comfortable listening to the experiences and feelings of others.

Come along and find out more at our Training and Information Day on Saturday 8 February in London.

Reserve a place by email or telephone 0345 123 2304
Volunteer Grief Companions
The grief companion scheme initially began as a pilot project; but matches are now being made with newly bereaved parents already benefiting from this one-to-one contact. Join us as a volunteer grief companion and use your own experience and ways of coping to be alongside another bereaved parent.

Volunteer on our National Helpline

Our National Helpline provides support and information to bereaved parents, family members and professionals every day of the year.

We are looking for caring, empathetic, reliable and committed bereaved parents who could regularly donate a few hours per month to answer calls from home. Full training is given.

Focus on a challenge in 2020
Would you like to find a new, active way to honour your child or sibling and help us to develop our support and services for bereaved parents and their families? We have three fantastic,active opportunities for you, your family, friends or colleagues this year...
RUNNING FOR TCF...

The Vitality Big Half - March 2020
Royal Parks Half Marathon - October 2020
CYCLING FOR TCF...

Prudential Ride London - August 2020
Email Stephen to find out more or reserve your place
Or choose your own local challenge and fundraise for us!
Just published...

A hugely powerful piece in The Guardian written by Thomas Harding on the death of his son Kadian at the age of 14 – and what he would say to his 7-year-younger self. The article is taken from a speech given to The Compassionate Friends 50th Anniversary Gathering last November.



For more information on support and services for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents see our website at the buttons below.