{
  "abstract": "Background An increase in referrals to our counselling service was observed among clients who had experienced the death of a partner and were parenting school-aged children. Individual counselling revealed that many of these clients lacked connections with others in similar situations, compounding feelings of isolation. To address this, our team developed a peer support group tailored to this demographic.Aim To reduce feelings of isolation and normalize grief experiences by facilitating peer support among bereaved parents.Method Eligible clients (those who had lost a partner and were parenting school-aged children) were invited to participate in a six-week support group. Five clients enrolled. Each two-hour session included facilitated discussions, peer sharing, relaxation techniques, and self-care strategies. A focus on self-care was included in recognition of the tendency among participants to deprioritize their own needs amid caregiving responsibilities. The group was designed to encourage the development of ongoing peer support beyond the structured sessions.Results Qualitative feedback was collected at the conclusion of the group via participant reflections and follow-up communication. Responses were overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported forming a WhatsApp group and continuing to meet regularly. Based on this success and continued high levels of relevant referrals, a second group was subsequently offered to an additional five participants.Conclusion Tailoring bereavement support to the specific experience of parenting after the death of a partner appears to be an effective intervention. Participant feedback highlights the value of shared experience in reducing isolation and promoting ongoing mutual support. Further groups are planned to meet continuing demand.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Compton Care, Wolverhampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sam Jackson"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Compton Care, Wolverhampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Anne-Marie Fewtrell"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Compton Care, Wolverhampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Amanda Chamberlain"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Compton Care, Wolverhampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Deborah Pennington"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Compton Care, Wolverhampton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Jenny Warren"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-109 Bereavement support group for parents of school – aged children following the death of a partner",
  "uid": "8c04eee2-2305-55ae-8519-4e1fa8236193"
}