My mother, Jackie Briggs, who has died aged 77, dedicated much of her later life to helping parents understand and accept their children’s sexual orientation or gender identity, a cause that was deeply personal to her after both of her own children came out. Her natural warmth had led her to community work. This included volunteering as a companion to elderly people through the East Finchley Neighbourhood Centre and taking her beloved whippet, Coby, to primary schools as part of a “pets as therapy” programme, helping children to build their confidence in reading.

But it was her work with Families Together London (FTL), a support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children, that became her defining cause. For nearly 20 years, Jackie provided invaluable support to families, offering encouragement to those struggling with their children’s coming out and serving as a vocal advocate on the radio and at conferences. She was also a longtime member of the community advisory board for Pride in London. She was as comfortable talking with fellow parents in the church hall where the group met every month, as she was marching down Oxford Street in the Pride parade, tannoy in hand and waving a banner.

Born to a Jewish family in London, Jackie was the daughter of Lily (nee Lewis) and Teddy Cooper, who ran a chain of menswear shops. She attended Harrow school for girls and in subsequent years was proud of the fact that she had much personal and professional success, despite leaving at 15 with only one O-level. After training as a secretary, she worked in various roles, including at the BBC and Cadbury Schweppes, while enjoying an active social life in London.

In 1982, Jackie married John Briggs, a barrister. Alongside her family life, Jackie pursued her passion for acting. She participated in local improvisation drama classes and amateur theatre, including a starring role as Sleeping Beauty in her children’s school pantomime. She later studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama and acted professionally, with notable roles including an appearance as a Ministry Wizard in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

In her final months, as she endured a debilitating stroke and brain tumour, Jackie continued to form deep connections and friendships with fellow patients in various hospitals and later a nursing home. Her ability to reach out, even in the face of her own challenges, reflected the deep empathy that defined her life.

Jackie is survived by her husband, John, her children, Anne and me, and her brother, Howard.