We know our retreats are a lifeline as a safe space for newly bereaved parents to talk about their child in a supportive environment with other bereaved parents who know the pain they're experiencing.

Some parents may be battling feelings of loneliness, guilt and simply feel they can't go on without their child. The supportive retreats run by The Compassionate Friends are, quite simply, a lifeline. Run by volunteers who have also experienced the death of a child the weekend is spent in small group discussions, workshops and creative activities.

£300 will pay for one bereaved parent to attend the weekend free of charge

£375 will pay for a volunteer to attend the weekend and support a bereaved parent

What parents have said about TCF retreats:

"A wonderfully therapeutic weekend - such a safe place to be ourselves, wear our broken hearts on our sleeves - a time for our masks to fall and just be the grieving parents that we are."

"Whilst this is a club that none of us want to join, being around people that understand, being able to talk openly and frankly about your child without people looking away, and just being able to cry without fear of judgement has been immensely liberating... If you've not been to one of these events, please go, you won't regret it".

"We were encouraged to tell our stories, to talk about our beloved children, laugh and cry if we wished. And that is what made the weekend so special, we have all lost someone we love unconditionally so we have an innate understanding of one another. We may differ in how we cope with our grief but with gentle guidance from the supportive volunteers and by just being together... we came to understand we are not alone in the dark."