The Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age and from any cause.

Many people who have suffered the loss of a child feel a bond with others in the same situation and wish to extend the hand of friendship. We offer support, both directly to bereaved families, and indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness.

In TCF, “family” covers a broad spectrum of relationships. We aim to help any individual or family affected by the death of a child, including unmarried partners, adoptive parents, step families, same sex couples and single parent families.

TCF has no religious affiliation and offers support to bereaved families irrespective of the age of the child, cause of death, ethnic, social or political background.

We respect the privacy of all those who come to us for support and offer a confidential service.

HELPLINE

The Compassionate Friends Telephone Helpline is open 365 days a year. Your call is always answered by a bereaved parent who is there to listen and offer support anyone who has lost a child, grandchild or sibling. The number is 0345 123 2304. Open every day 10am-4pm and 7-10pm. You can ring if you are struggling today, need to talk, or perhaps would like info about local support/groups. You can ring as often as you like – like all our support there is no ‘cut off’ time.

FORUM

The Compassionate Friends also has an online Forum where you can ‘talk’ with and get support from other bereaved parents. You do have to register for this, which may take 24-48 hours to process. This is to ensure complete security for you. But it is an absolutely wonderful support. The FORUM is accessible on the TCF website.

FACEBOOK

Details of our supportive Facebook pages can be found here.