Monthly Support Groups
What to expect when attending our groups
Our peer support groups are a way of meeting other bereaved parents. Our groups are open to any parent, stepparent or guardian following the death of a child of any age no matter how long ago you were bereaved. You can attend if you are newly bereaved or further along with your grief. When you attend you will meet a range of parents whose children died in many different circumstances. Our groups are not therapy groups and you will not receive counselling as part of a group when attending.
If you attend bereavement counselling with us, nothing that you have shared at these sessions will be disclosed. You decide what you share when you come along to one of our groups. Sometimes it can be upsetting to hear about the death of other children, but we feel that sharing how others may have dealt with the death of their child, how they navigated anniversaries and key dates often outweighs this. If you decide to join one of our groups, you do not need to attend every month.
If something is discussed that you find difficult or triggers feelings for you, please speak to one of our team after the session or contact us for a chat in the following days, via email or telephone 0116 243636.
No one should have to navigate the death of a child alone
The Bodie Hodges Foundation is dedicated to supporting families through their grief and helping them find hope for the future.
Our peer support groups are here to provide a safe place and for families who have experienced the death of a child. Explore your feelings in a safe and supportive environment and find hope with others who understand.
creative grief workshop for bereaved mums
Grief is a personal experience that’s often unique and intimate. What brings comfort to you in a time of grieving may differ from what helps someone else.
Creating or connecting with art can be a healing experience for some people.
This group is for bereaved mums of children of any age and those newly bereaved and those further along.
Meet monthly with other bereaved mums to be creative, chat and learn new skills.
There are 12 places each month for you to join us with sessions hosted by Julia Smith at The Drawing room, Hinckley, LE10 1DY.
You do not need to be an artist or be creative as Julia will demonstrate the techniques and provide all the equipment.
You do not need to commit to all the dates we just ask you to book on the week you are coming so that we are aware of numbers.
Chips and a Chat
Men are labelled as not wanting to talk about emotions but if you provide the right platform its incredible how much people open up.
The group meets each month to enjoy a social activity such as pool, shuffleboard, virtual golf, darts, or a walk.
There is no pressure to talk or share as sometimes just listening to others going through the same can be enough. The group is led by George one of our Bereavement Counsellors.
If you would like to find out more, you can email George.
grandparents group
We know that the death of a grandchild is a deeply painful and life-altering experience. As a grandparent, you may find yourself carrying your own grief while also trying to support your child through theirs – weight that can feel incredibly heavy and overwhelming.
Our new support group is open to grandparents, step-grandparents, and in-laws whose families have previously received support from The Bodie Hodges Foundation.
We currently meet on a Wednesday afternoon, 3:30–5:00pm at Bodie’s House.
Our next sessions for 2025 are on Wednesday 12th November and
Wednesday 10th December.
Our group is a gentle, welcoming space where you can share, listen and find strength in the company of others who understand.
Together Project
Our #TogetherProject is aimed at 11-16-year-olds living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who have been bereaved of a sibling.
The groups meet up over 10 weeks with other young people and advocates with a lived experience.
Join us for activities that support a sibling’s grief journey plus a variety of fun activities including sports, drama, arts, film, fun and pizza nights!
Please email us if you would like to find out more information about our next cohort for this group or fill out the form below.
Together Project juniors
Together Project Juniors is our younger sibling group for children aged 6-10 years.
The group helps bereaved siblings to have a safe space to explore their feelings, to have fun with other children so they feel less alone.
Your child is welcome to join even if they’re not currently receiving 1-1 counselling with us.
You can email us if you would like to speak with one of our counsellors about the dates for this group or fill out the form below.
