The Compassionate Friends

Offering support for bereaved parents and their families

The Compassionate Friends was founded by Iris and Joe Lawley who sent flowers to and then met up with Joan and Bill Henderson after their respective sons, Kenneth and Billy, had died within a few days of each other in the same hospital in 1968.

This first contact has grown into a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of others who have suffered the death of a child or children.

The Compassionate Friends offer support both directly to bereaved families and indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness.

The Compassionate Friends recognise that many who have suffered the loss of a child feel a bond with others similarly bereaved and wish to extend the hand of friendship. Their underlying creed states that ‘We need not walk alone. We are the Compassionate Friends’.

As well as providing a helpline and offering one to one or group visits and meetings, they run a lending library and publish a range of leaflets as well as organising several residential retreats and gatherings each year.

Visit The Compassionate Friends:
http://www.tcf.org.uk/