This organisation has expertise in Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, bereavement support, the child death process, genetic investigation, SUDC research and medical screening.
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Finding a little oasis can be a profoundly healing experience for grieving parents and families. Small moments of escape can have a lasting effect. But it is important to understand that there is no cure for the pain of losing a child, and there will still be many challenges to face. We hope that the following considerations can help you plan a break that will bring you rest, comfort and inspiration in your hardest times.
There will be hard times, and leaving the familiarity of home means opening yourselves up to environments you cannot control. It will also prove you are capable of being in these environments again, but it will not always be easy.
Some people need to keep busy to stop difficult thoughts spiralling. Others need to relax and find calm. There's no right or wrong way, but it helps to talk about what a break looks like for each person.
Think about tactics for triggers you can't avoid: suitable distractions, noise-cancelling earphones, or comforting items. Also think about where you'll stay — would a resort with other children be too hard? Do you need a busy city, or a quiet rural retreat?
The weeks after a trip can be tough as you readjust to home routines. Lack of sleep and time-zone changes can affect your emotional state. Ask family or friends to help you ease back into daily life.
You may feel guilty for enjoying yourself, or long for your child even more somewhere beautiful. Both are valid responses to what you've been through. Many families find it healing to do something meaningful for their child, or bring home something they'd have liked.
Eat nice food, go for a massage, walk in the woods, swim in the sea, or stay in and watch TV all day. Just do whatever feels right for you.