National Bereaved Parents Day: Honouring and Supporting Those in Grief
July 3rd is National Bereaved Parents Day. It was set up in 2020 by the charity A Child of Mine, after they realised that there wasn’t a specific day that honoured bereaved parents from all walks of life.
A Child Of Mine aim to unite every bereaved parent from all walks of life and to try to break the silence around loss. Babies and Children do die and it’s time to stop the taboo and start talking about it and be there for bereaved parents.
The theme this year is #YouAreNotAlone and it is an important occasion that sheds light on the profound grief experienced by parents who have lost a child. Here at Edward’s Trust, we recognise this day and continue to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by bereaved parents. In this week’s blog Tracey Cox, our Outreach Counsellor based in the Black Country, explores the significance of National Bereaved Parents Day and offers suggestions on how people can support grieving parents during this poignant time.
‘National Bereaved Parents Day is a day dedicated to acknowledging and supporting parents who have lost a child, regardless of age or cause. The day aims to raise awareness about the enduring pain and trauma that bereaved parents experience, as well as foster compassion and empathy within communities.
Recognising National Bereaved Parents Day serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it acknowledges the profound and lifelong impact of losing a child, validating the grief of bereaved parents. It reminds society that grieving parents require understanding, support, and empathy. Secondly, it highlights the need for increased awareness and resources for bereaved parents, encouraging the development of programs, services, and policies to address their unique needs.
If you know someone who has been bereaved of a child, we encourage you to offer empathy and active listening: Reach out to bereaved parents you know, offering a compassionate ear. Allow them to express their feelings, memories, and stories without judgment. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen and acknowledge their pain.
Remember their child: Remembering and mentioning the lost child’s name can bring solace to grieving parents. Let them know that their child is not forgotten and that their memory lives on. Sharing stories and fond memories can provide comfort and healing.
Create a supportive environment: Be sensitive to triggers and anniversaries that may intensify grief for bereaved parents. Create a safe and understanding space by being considerate of their needs and emotions. Offer support through gestures like sending a heartfelt message, a card, or a small token of remembrance.
Donate or organise a fundraising event to raise money for Edward’s Trust if they were supported by us: We provide crucial services and resources for grieving parents. Contributing your time, skills, or financial resources to help us continue our valuable work in assisting bereaved parent is a great way to show that you remember a loved one and support others going through the same thing. Get in touch with fundraising@edwardstrust.org.uk if you would like to fundraise for us.
Educate yourself and others: Learn about the experiences and challenges faced by bereaved parents, so you can offer informed support. Watching our videos might be helpful to understand child loss. You can watch them on our YouTube channel here. Share your knowledge or these short films with others to promote understanding and empathy within your community. Encourage dialogue on the topic and raise awareness about National Bereaved Parents Day.
Honour their grief in your own way: You can also show your support by joining us in the lighting of a candle at 7pm on Monday 3rd July, displaying a ribbon, or participating in a memorial event in honour of bereaved parents on this day. These small acts can help create a sense of solidarity and acknowledge the depth of their loss. You can find out more about National Bereaved Parents Day here.
Recognising National Bereaved Parents Day is crucial for raising awareness and supporting grieving parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. By offering empathy, understanding, and practical support, we can help alleviate some of the pain and isolation that bereaved parents endure. Let us use this awareness day as an opportunity to promote compassion, education, and action, ensuring that bereaved parents receive the support they need throughout their healing journey and know that #TheyAreNotAlone.’