We offer support and friendship
after the death of a child of any age and from any cause.

Helpline 0345 123 2304  helpline@tcf.org.uk
Find support online
NEW - Compassionate Pals

Facebook groups for arranging informal meetups in North of England & Scotland, and South of England. Email info@tcf.org.uk for more info and to join.

Help us to improve 

Take part in The Compassionate Friends Users' Survey.

Our charity is constantly evolving and hearing from you helps us to develop and be responsive to your needs. We welcome feedback and suggestions from anyone who has engaged with any aspect of our services.

From our online web Forum to our private Facebook pages...you can make connections with others, find support and hope.


  •  the loss of a child
  • bereaved dads  NEW
  • bereaved siblings
  • parents who have lost their only child or children
  • those bereaved by suicide or addiction, and more...
Have you thought about coming to one of our wonderfully supportive weekend events?
Just a few places remaining... 
Supportive Retreat for Bereaved Siblings
11-12 March 2017    Birmingham

A unique opportunity for brothers and sisters 18 years+ to meet in a safe place with others who have experienced sibling loss early in life. Find support and understanding, strategies to cope with life after loss, and build resilience for the future.

Scottish Gathering
For all bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents  12-14 May 2017   Perth

"I had the tremendous privilege of being able to listen to and share other parents' experiences. I was no longer alone in my grief...I didn't have to try and explain it or justify my feelings or apologise because everyone there just understood. I felt wrapped in a blanket of warmth and love".


Weekend Retreat for Parents Bereaved by Suicide, Addiction or Substance Use
23-25 June 2017    Birmingham
  The second year of this event and a wonderful opportunity to meet with others who understand what it means to be a bereaved parent in these particularly difficult ways.

"It was fantastic to be with so many parents all in the same boat, who, no matter what was said, were never shocked, embarrassed or judgemental. I felt able to talk about my son freely...thank you for a wonderful few days. I feel stronger and more hopeful".

More details and how to book.
A summer weekend for all parents, siblings and grandparents
18 - 20 August 2017   Derbyshire 
A supportive weekend for you if you have been bereaved for just a few months or years, or longer. Here you can take part in a range of informal discussions and activities and just relax among friends who understand.

More details and how to book.
Save the date...

21 - 23 July 2017 Oxfordshire - Childless parents retreat (for parents with no surviving children)  DETAILS AND BOOKING INFORMATION COMING SOON

10 - 12 November 2017  Northamptonshire - National Gathering - for all bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents
Thank you to Margaret Brearley - our charity's outgoing Chair
Margaret Brearley stepped down as TCF Chair in January 2017 at the end of her 3 year term. She has been succeeded by Maria Ahern.
We are compiling a book of photos and tributes to Margaret so please do send in your tributes to and photos of Margaret on her own or with others from a TCF get-together to us. Thank you.                                                   
Email photos and tributes to Margaret here.
Help us to help other families.
Sponsor a leaflet in memory of your loved one.

Costs range from £250 - £400 per leaflet. 

Forthcoming leaflets for sponsorship include:

  • After bereavement by Addiction or Substance Use
  • Death Abroad
  • After Suicide
  • Coping with Special Occasions
  • Grief of the Newly Bereaved
  • A Sibling's Grief
  • Grieving Couples
  • Introducing TCF
  • Flyer for professionals supporting bereaved families

For more information contact our National Office on 0345 120 3785 or email
Other ways to help?

Local Contacts and Support Group Facilitators are needed throughout the UK, and particularly in these areas:

  • North England - esp NW England
  • West of England - esp Devon/Cornwall
  • Wiltshire/Somerset area
  • South Coast of England
  • Wales and Scotland

Could you help support bereaved parents in your area or by listening on our National Helpline? Training and support is offered. 

More information on volunteering for TCF and training days here


Could you help write or edit our leaflets? Register your interest here. 
Befriending opportunities
Could you be a volunteer befriender/grief companion?

If you would like a role with TCF supporting just one recently bereaved parent for a time limited period, please email us to register your interest.
Supportive events from other organisations
Edinburgh   19 February 

St Martin-in-the-Fields, London     4 March
Time to Talk: A service of reflection for people affected by suicide

Westminster Cathedral, London     11 March

Fundraising

Joy Sebborn is raising funds for The Compassionate Friends by bravely abseiling down Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower. Thank you Joy and good luck from us all!

You can help Joy reach her target here.
Shopping online?
If you're shopping online please help us to raise funds for TCF for free at over 2,700 online fundraisers with  easyfundraising .  

PLUS earn a 50p bonus donation for The Compassionate Friends this week only if you join as a new supporter through our unique link.
For more information about all our services for bereaved parents and families
see our website by clicking on any of the links below:
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