THE death of a child has a devastating effect on parents, an effect that does not diminish if their child dies in adulthood.

PEAL, Parents Experiencing Adult Loss, is a group that supports families dealing with the loss of a child aged 16 or over.

Diana Williams founded the group in 1999 after she noticed a lack of organisations designed to help with this specific situation.

PEAL support services manager Angela Gerrard said: "Diana just identified that there were bereavement services for parents of young children but once they became adults there was no specific bereavement care. Bereavement of a child effects parents and siblings differently than any other loss and requires a special response.

"It does not matter what age the child is, it does not matter if someone dies in their 40s, if their parents are still living they have still lost their child. It goes against the natural order of things and that is the hardest thing to try and deal with. In any bereavement part of the coping mechanism is trying to find a reason why this has happened - when a child dies it is almost impossible to do that.

"Parents sense that they have not only lost the child, this very important person, and you grieve for their future, but they have also lost their own long-term relationship with them. The child will no longer be part of their parents' life."

PEAL supports parents and siblings who are coming to terms with their loss.

The group believes the grief of brothers and sisters is often neglected. Ms Gerrard said: "In the children's services there is plenty of provision for grieving siblings but bereaved young adults get overlooked.

"The importance is not recognised, but in actual fact when a brother or sister dies the whole family dynamic changes. You may find yourself an only child or the only girl, and feel very responsible for your parents - there are all sorts of issues."

PEAL offers a variety of bereavement support services tailored to meet individual needs. Counselling, as individuals or couples is available, as well as a number of support groups. The organisation's 'closed' group runs for around eight weeks and parents discuss aspects of bereavement and coping strategies. A general support group is also available with people able to attend when they want to.

Ms Gerrard said: "The loss of a child is not a common experience for parents and initially they feel very isolated, and probably won't know anyone in the same situation. They have all these terribly intense emotions and they don't know whether that is normal or not - meeting other parents can be very helpful."

Parents coping with the death of their child often have a number of practical issues to deal with, including inquests and other court proceedings. PEAL also offers support in this area and is steadily building relations with the police and legal professions to ensure people know there is help available.

Next Wednesday, July 7, PEAL workers will be hosting their first day conference at Worcester Rugby Football Club at Sixways. The event will focus on the impact professional responses have on bereaved families and will include speeches from experts in the field and parents who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Ms Gerrard added: "The legal side of things like inquests and court proceedings really does have an impact on peoples' ability to grieve. Families sometimes feel they are stuck because they are waiting for things to happen. People need to be well supported and well informed.

"Anyone feeling they are struggling does not have to struggle on their own."

For more information about PEAL's services or to become a volunteer for the organisation call 01905 723001.