Who We Are
We are not professional counselors. We are simply parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and siblings who are grieving the death of a child.
The Rockingham/Essex County Chapter of The Bereaved Parent of the USA is a self-help support organization. We are dedicated to assisting families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child and to providing information and education to help others be supportive.
Our children have died at all ages including miscarriage, stillbirth, toddlers, adolescents, teens, and adult children in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Our children have died in different circumstances. Some died a sudden death through an accident or fast moving illness. Some of our children died through suicide. Others died after years of illness. Some of our children died from drug abuse. Some of our children were murdered. Some of our children had special needs. These are all differences- but we are united by our common bond of grieving the death of our child. There is no good way for our child to die.
We gather to listen, to care, and to understand the process of grieving as we begin our journey to survive and thrive again. Our greatest strength as bereaved families is the unity we find in shared experiences, that leads us out of isolation, gives us a place to “belong” and gives us hope that, together, we can make it.
What We Do
- Meetings
- We meet the first Tuesday of each month. Generally a speaker or panel discusses a topic of interest to newly bereaved parents. After the program, the parents join sharing groups which offer support and ideas to those who are just beginning their lonely journey.
- Newsletter
- We publish and email a monthly newsletter with information on our activities and articles and writings dealing with the death of ac child. The newsletter can also be found on the national website.
- Annual Gathering
- The national organization hosts a gathering dealing with topics of interest to families and friends grieving the death of a child.
- Annual Memory Walk
- We partner with another organization for a Memory Walk to remember all of the children who died too soon but still walk in the hears of our families and friends.
- Community Outreach
- Our chapter provides speakers and materials to help others dealing with grieving parents.