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Introducing TCF |
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Support and friendship to parents and families after the death of their son or daughter at any age and from any causeWhen a son or daughter dies“No death so sad”: that is how many bereaved parents describe the devastating loss of their son or daughter. No one expects to attend their own child's funeral, yet every year thousands of newly bereaved families face a future in which their lives have been changed for ever. Immediately after the death, parents and families are usually surrounded by relatives, friends and those in the caring professions. Later this support often lessens just when the pain of bereavement seems to grow more intense. This is when The Compassionate Friends offers continuing help, which is there for as long as the parents and family want. The Compassionate FriendsA feeling common among newly bereaved parents is that those around them cannot truly understand the depth of their grief, that only someone who has “been through it themselves” could possibly know what they are feeling. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) was founded in 1969 and is an organisation of bereaved parents and their families helping others through their grief, It is open to all parents whose son or daughter has died at any age and from any cause. The death of their child brings many difficulties within a family; in TCF we know that there is no easy path through the pain and we do not offer simple solutions. What we do offer is continuing understanding, friendship and encouragement. We also offer support to grandparents and siblings. While religious or spiritual beliefs are undoubtedly helpful to some parents, TCF as an organisation has no such affiliations. How TCF can helpMembers of TCF, all of whom are bereaved, offer time to listen and share experiences and feelings in a safe place. We all have different needs and circumstances and TCF has a wide range of support services to try and meet your needs.
Every child's death is a tragedy but some circumstances have additional needs of their own. TCF has groups for parents whose child has died by suicide (SOS) and for parents with no surviving children (Childless Parents), and with Contacts for those bereaved by homicide (FBbH). We also have Contacts for grandparents. What to do nextIf you think TCF may be able to help you then please contact us. We understand that phoning the Helpline may be difficult for you but remember that the person answering will also be a bereaved parent. Alternatively, you (or others wishing to help a bereaved family) can visit our website or write to the TCF Office. We will give you the name and telephone number of your nearest TCF Contact and send any publications which we think will be helpful. What about membership and cost?Every bereaved parent, grandparent and sibling is welcome within our organisation. It will be up to you if you wish to become more involved in the future. There is no need to worry about the cost at this stage because all the initial support is free and many opportunities remain so. For some facilities, such as retreats, we do have to ask for payment, although bursaries are sometimes available for those on a limited income. The Newsletter, after a sample copy, is available to supporting members. Details about becoming a supporting member are available when you contact TCF or from our website, and in this way you will be helping TCF in its support work to other bereaved families
“ Friends tried not to mention his name, but my heart ached to talk about him” “at last I know I'm not alone in my grief -- others had to go down this road and they understand my feelings” The Compassionate Friends
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