The Bereaved Parent and Their Faith

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk Who are the Compassionate Friends? The Compassionate Friends (TCF) was founded in 1969 by a hospital chaplain and a group of bereaved parents who recognised the lack of support and understanding they were receiving from those who had not suffered in this way. The reading of this leaflet may be your first real contact with TCF. We hope it has given you a little comfort, perhaps showing you that your pain and worries are shared by others. Just as each of our individual experiences of grief are unique in some ways and similar in others, so our viewpoints on matters of faith have similarities and differences. Within the bereaved community in TCF, amongst parents of faith, some feel strongly that their God has let them down, others no longer believe, whereas others are very confident in their God and their beliefs. Within our organisation, we ask that we all remain tolerant, with a willingness to listen, respect for others and openness to hearing from parents and family members with differing viewpoints from all faiths and none. TCF publishes over 40 leaflets, on different aspects of grief which follow the death of a child. All of them are available at no charge to bereaved families. For further support and to talk to one of our volunteers call our Helpline on 0345 123 2304 . Our website at www.tcf.org.uk/support has more information about our services.