New support group launches for bereaved parents of adult children

St Giles Hospice has launched a new support group for people who have experienced the death of an adult child, offering a safe, welcoming space where people can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of their grief. 

The group, based at St Giles Hospice in Sutton Coldfield, meets on the first Monday of every month and gives bereaved parents the opportunity to share their experiences, access emotional support and build connections with others who have faced a similar loss in a relaxed and informal setting. 

The idea for the group was inspired by Jenny Lilly, whose daughter Vicky died at St Giles Hospice four years ago at the age of 37. Following Vicky’s death, Jenny found there was very little support available specifically for parents grieving the loss of an adult child. 

Jenny said: “After Vicky died, I felt very angry and lost in the world. Over time, I realised there must be other people feeling the same way, but there weren’t many places where we could come together and talk about our experiences. 

“I hope this group helps people feel less alone and gives them the opportunity to meet others who truly understand what they are going through.” 

Following Vicky’s death, Jenny also faced her own cancer diagnosis and later the devastating loss of her grandson, Vicky’s son, who had been living with an incurable form of cancer. These experiences strengthened her determination to help create the support she had struggled to find herself. 

During the final stages of Vicky’s illness, she was admitted to St Giles Hospice after initially receiving care in hospital. 

Jenny said: “Vicky instantly picked up when she was admitted to St Giles, despite the circumstances. I was able to sleep next to her every single day, the children could come and be with her, and she had a room overlooking the gardens. They used to roll down the hill picking buttercups – they didn’t see St Giles as a scary place.” 

Ali Callear, Family & Community Support Services Lead at St Giles Hospice, said: “Losing a child can feel like living with the unimaginable. We know that grief doesn’t end after a loved one dies, and neither does our support. This group is a response to the changing needs of the families we care for and recognises that bereaved parents of adult children often face a very different experience of grief. 

“Jenny’s experiences and determination to help others have been instrumental in shaping this group. We hope it will provide a compassionate space where people feel understood, supported and less alone.” 

To find out more or register your interest in attending the group, email: community.development@stgileshospice.com. 

The story behind the new bereaved parents’ support group features in the latest edition of Your St Giles, which shares inspiring stories from patients, families, supporters and staff.  

To find out more about St Giles Hospice, visit: www.stgileshospice.com