You are not alone. We have each faced the most painful loss.
When your child, grandchild or sibling has died, it can feel as if all meaning has drained out of your life. Getting out of bed is hard, let alone living a “normal” life. Everything that was right with the world now seems wrong, and you may wonder when, or if, you will ever feel better.
We have been there ourselves, and we understand some of what you are feeling. We are truly glad you found us, and deeply sorry for the reason. No one can be prepared for this. You don’t have to find your way through it alone.
Support, whenever you are ready
Understanding your grief
Grief after the death of a child affects your mind, your heart and your body. What you are feeling is understandable, even when it feels unbearable, and there are gentle steps that help. Start with our pages for newly bereaved parents and the long nights.
Our Tampa Bay chapter
There is always someone here ready to listen and share. Just reach out; there’s a hand waiting. We meet in person on the first Thursday of every month, 6:30 to 8:45 pm, at the Brandon Regional Library, and on Zoom on the third Thursday. Meeting details
Online, any hour
If a meeting isn’t possible right now, national’s online support community and private Facebook groups for every kind of loss are open day and night, with people who understand. Our own chapter is on Facebook too.
A worldwide circle of bereaved families
The Compassionate Friends began in Coventry, England, in 1969, when a hospital chaplain brought two grieving families together and saw how much they helped each other. It came to the United States in 1972. Today there are more than 600 chapters in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam, and sister organizations around the world.
Every chapter is led by bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings who volunteer their time. There are no dues or fees, and no religious requirements. Everyone grieving the death of a child, at any age and from any cause, is welcome. Read our mission and credos.
More help from national
A free bereavement packet
National will mail you a free packet of gentle reading for the early days. Request a packet. More than 40 brochures are also available in English and Spanish.
Worldwide Candle Lighting
Each year on the second Sunday of December, families around the world light candles at 7 pm local time, so a wave of light circles the globe for one hour in memory of all children who have died. Our chapter gathers too. See Meetings and Events.
National Conference and Walk to Remember
Each summer, bereaved families gather for workshops, sharing and remembrance, ending with the Walk to Remember. compassionatefriends.org
We Need Not Walk Alone
National’s magazine and monthly e-newsletter share articles, poems and stories from bereaved families. Sign up at compassionatefriends.org.
For siblings and grandparents
Brothers, sisters and grandparents grieve deeply too, and are often overlooked. See our pages for siblings and grandparents.
Find a chapter anywhere
If family members live elsewhere, national can help them find a chapter near them.
If the pain feels unbearable or you are thinking about ending your life, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time of day or night. You can also call 911.
We need not walk alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.