Living with No Surviving Children information booklet launched.

It’s the eighth information booklet in a series published for bereaved parents by Anam Cara.

It was created in response to a lack of information for bereaved parents who have no surviving children,

As part of the development process, Anam Cara facilitated two workshops with bereaved mothers and fathers who experienced the death of their only child or children.

The participation of these parents and their insights which has resulted in a booklet that is both appropriate and relevant for other bereaved parents who have to endure this unimaginable loss of their precious only child/children, according to Anam Cara.

Some of the parents who attended those initial meetings gave their feedback.

• “The booklet really is a credit to all involved and I’m sure it will be of great comfort to parents who are suffering and struggling to cope with the devastation and grief over the loss of their child”
• “This booklet is full of really useful things for anyone starting on this journey of life after losing their only child.”
• “It is great, well thought out, sensitive and caring but offering assistance and help to mothers and fathers. Please push ahead and launch it and get it out for mothers and fathers who need it. It is an essential resource.”

The Information Pack as a whole is a key resource developed by bereaved parents for bereaved parents, as well as for organisations and professionals who may be in contact with families after the death of a son or daughter and would like to be better equipped to support them.

Anam Cara provides safe spaces where bereaved parents can access information and peer support.

Anam Cara North Dublin meets on the third Wednesday of each month in the BASE Brackenstown Education Centre, Swords, and Anam Cara South Dublin meets on the second Monday of each month in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght (opposite the stadium).

Meetings in both venues are open to bereaved parents only and start at 7.30pm.

Thousands of copies of booklets from the Anam Cara information pack have been distributed around the country to hospitals, funeral directors, Gardaí and schools. Every day its central office receives calls and emails from parents or those supporting parents requesting packs.

The new booklet can be read at anamcara.ie or ordered by contacting info@anamcara.ie