New premises for bereavement group

The Compassionate Friends is a UK-wide charity dedicated to the support of parents, siblings and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child.

The organisation’s Carrick group, which is held on the first Tuesday of every month, will now meet at Carrick Vineyard Church on Lancasterian Street.

Group member Eleanor Ellerslie said: “We originally met in Sunnylands Community Centre and would have had about 10 parents who come along regularly.

“Sometimes people in Carrick don’t even realise the number of community groups that are available and we just want parents to know how they might benefit from the support and friendship that Compassionate Friends can offer. Our first meeting in the new premises will be on February 4 from 8-10pm.”

There are currently four other TCF groups in Northern Ireland in Antrim, Belfast, Cookstown and Lisburn.

The outreach team offer parents support, guidance and sign posting. If required, support workers will arrange to meet bereaved parents at a suitable venue or in their own home.

TCF also offer a range of workshops on grief and traumatic loss, publications and leaflets for bereaved parents and their families. There is an annual weekend retreat and a Remembrance Service the first Sunday in December.

The TCF helpline can be reached on 028 87788016 from 10am-4pm and 7pm-9.30pm daily. For more information on the Carrick group, contact Eleanor on 07882992980.