child loss, bereavement, tcf canada, tcf, compassionate friends, grief, grieving

Relationship of 
“THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS”
To Other Bereavement Groups

Chapters of The Compassionate Friends work closely with other bereavement groups and they encourage members to take advantage of other resources in their communities, working from the premise that “Bereaved parents need all the help they can get.”

Often these groups address a particular kind of loss such as S.I.D.S, suicide, murder, etc. Sometimes there are bereavement groups that have more professional involvement and a more structured program than does TCF. Bereaved parents who are ready for this kind of approach are encouraged to attend. (Sometimes they find it best to wait and start at the beginning of a series of structured programs.)

Many bereaved parents have told us that a whole month between TCF Sharing Meetings is longer than they can wait and these other groups can be a much needed support in between TCF meetings. Some TCF chapters have get-togethers between regular Sharing Meetings for this reason. In an area where there are several chapters, such as lower mainland BC (Vancouver area), the chapters stagger their meeting times and publicize each other’s meetings so that members can go to a different Sharing Meeting every week.

In addition to promoting attendance at other bereavement groups TCF regularly reminds parents that seeking professional help is not a sign of failure. If ever one is to need professional help, why not when one has experienced the trauma of having a child die.

In short, The Compassionate Friends actively supports other bereavement groups and professionals in the community. Many chapter newsletters list these groups, their meeting times and locations. If you know of some your chapter has missed, let them know. We repeat: “Bereaved parents need all the help they can get.”

Gwen Brown TCF/Canada
Mother of David
Gwen died September 24, 1993