About The Compassionate Friends

Members of The Compassionate Friends, all of whom are bereaved, offer time to listen and share experiences and feelings in a safe environment.

The charity offers a wide range of support services to meet the many needs of the bereaved.

Support is offered through a Helpline, local groups, one-to-one support, weekend retreats, publications, postal library and website.

Our history

The Compassionate Friends was founded in 1969 when the then Chaplain of the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital introduced two sets of parents who had recently suffered the death of a child.

He witnessed the mutual compassion and understanding between the parents, which inspired the founding of the organisation.

The founder continues to travel the world promoting the aims of the charity, which now, thanks to him, operates worldwide.