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Grieving parents find support: self-help group founded in Erlangen
In Erlangen-Höchstadt, self-help groups support grieving parents through the exchange of experiences and community building.
Grieving parents find support: self-help group founded in Erlangen
There is a place in Erlangen where grieving parents can find support. A support group has been formed to offer support to those who have suffered the loss of a child. The group is led by Maggie Hefele, who herself lost her son ten years ago. In the cozy atmosphere of Café Zukunft, members come together regularly to talk about their pain in a protected setting.
The loss of a child is an extremely challenging experience for many parents. According to the information from life-without-you.de Grief can not only be emotionally stressful, but can also lead to psychosomatic and physical illnesses if it is not processed properly. The self-help group offers an important space in which parents and siblings can talk about their suffering. Here you can cry, laugh and, above all, remember.
A place of community
One of the crucial aspects of these meetings is the community that is created between the mourners. In the group you have the opportunity to meet like-minded people who have had similar experiences. Understanding the pain of others creates a sense of connection and alleviates the often crushing loneliness. The respectful and appreciative interaction with each other enables the participants to live their grief in their own individual way, without pressure to perform or expectations.
The members aren't here just to talk; It is also allowed to simply listen or be in silence, depending on your personal condition. This flexible format is a great relief for many. It is important that participation in the group is free and there is no age limit for the loss of a child or sibling.
Further support for grieving children and young people
But it's not just adults who need support in processing grief. Children and young people also often face enormous challenges when they suffer a loss. Malteser volunteers are involved in providing bereavement support for children nationwide and offer the “Café Roller Coaster” in various cities such as Hamburg. This creative life and grief café helps young people organize and process their feelings. In addition, the Malteser in Dresden offer the “KiTT – KinderTrauerTreff” for children aged 5 to 12, where the little ones can talk about their feelings in a safe space.
These meetings are designed to help children cope with their losses. In the group they are allowed to play, paint, laugh and also talk about their emotions. Parents or caregivers are also warmly invited here to support the children in this difficult process.
The self-help group in Erlangen and the respective children's bereavement programs offer important contact points for everyone who is going through a difficult time due to the loss of a loved one. There's a lot to talk about, and sometimes it's just good to share your feelings with others.
The initiative by Maggie Hefele and the committed helpers sends a strong signal of hope and compassion. It shows that after a serious loss there is a dark time, but the helping hands of the community can reduce the horror and bring back some joy in life.