Introducing TCF - For health and social care professionals

One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends This leaflet explains the work of The Compassionate Friends, in the hope that this will be a help in your support for bereaved parents. Who we are “I often see patients whose health has broken down under the strain of the loss of a child. Every parent to whom I have given details of The Compassionate Friends has told me that it was just what they needed.” R, local lead for mental health nursing support The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents and siblings dedicated to the support and care of other similarly bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children (from a baby of one month old to an adult son or daughter), and from any cause. TCF offers a range of peer-to-peer support, including many opportunities for those bereaved of their child or siblings to share with others in similar circumstances and find comfort, understanding and hope. This includes: • A helpline, available 365 days a year, with calls answered by trained volunteers who are themselves bereaved parents • A ‘grief companion’ scheme offering one-to-one support for up to a year for the newly bereaved • In-person and online local support groups • Informal activities such as walks and social events facilitated by volunteers • Supportive residential events and bereavement support days • Online support groups for specific causes of loss or life circumstances • Private Facebook groups and an online forum where bereaved parents and adult siblings can share their experiences of loss and grief and engage with others Introducing The Compassionate Friends For health and social care professionals