Support During the Coronavirus Epidemic
The Compassionate Friends Qld cares about the health, safety and welfare of all of its members, volunteers, staff as well as the general public. Read the TCFQ response to Coronavirus here
Due to the restrictions, we cannot offer face-to-face support services until further notice. We continue to offer telephone support and we also now offer online support meetings.
Learn how to join our online support meetings here
See the calendar of online meetings here
Our Organisation and Services
The Compassionate Friends Queensland was formed by bereaved parents who recognised that their feelings of confusion and isolation were common to all parents who have lost a child, and felt a need to talk to someone who had been through a similar experience to their own.
The Compassionate Friends aims to provide immediate and ongoing support to parents and families who have experienced the death of a child. Our members, all of whom are bereaved parents, grandparents or siblings, offer the time to listen, understand and share their grief, experiences and feelings in a safe place, and offer HOPE for the future. Our members have “all been there, done that”. We also have the support of many professional people involved in this area of loss and grief. We will understand and walk the long road with you.
There is no time limit to someone’s grief, just as is there are no right or wrong ways to deal with your loss. We offer a range of support services since everyone deals with grief in their own way. What you want and need can change.
Avenues in which The Compassionate Friends provides assistance include:
Our New Farm Office
Our office situated at 505 Bowen Terrace, New Farm in Brisbane is open Monday to Friday between the hours 9.00am and 3.00pm. Members are encouraged to drop in for support and a coffee, or to access our extensive range of loss and grief related literature, newsletters and books.
Support Group Meetings
Our Support Group Meetings offer the opportunity for parents/families to talk, share, connect and relate with others who have experienced the loss of a child. Meetings take the form of informal discussions with the occasional guest speaker. Everyone there will be just like you. The atmosphere is warm and accepting. No one is pressured into participating. You only join in when you are ready to share.
Many come and listen for the first few meetings and find comfort in knowing others are experiencing similar problems and feelings from the loss of their child or sibling, and learn how others are surviving and coping. Meetings are open to all parents, adult siblings and grandparents. Come and join with others who understand what you are experiencing…simply because they have been there.
Night time meetings are held at 7:00pm on the second Tuesday of each month at 505 Bowen Terrace, New Farm Brisbane.
Country Support Groups
Country Support Groups have been established in many regional areas throughout Queensland and offer regular support group meetings for bereaved parents and families in their own area.
Coffee Mornings
Coffee Mornings are held on the first Monday of every month at the New Farm office for bereaved families and friends to drop in for a chat and coffee in a more informal setting. Coffee mornings are also held in some country areas.
Telephone Support
Phone contact can be made with The Compassionate Friends at any time. We understand there are times when you want a friendly chat with another bereaved parent who will listen and share. Our grief support telephone lines are always answered by fellow bereaved parents who have received training in grief and loss and listening skills. They offer a caring ear and are passionate about supporting bereaved families.
We have a dedicated support line staffed by bereaved parents, as well as a network of Telephone Friends around Queensland. The grief from the death of a child can be very isolating for parents, as can geography. A Telephone Friend in your area, who is a bereaved parent, will answer your call at their home or on their mobile. If we are unable to take your call, we encourage you to leave a message so we can return your call.
Please feel free and welcome to call us on our dedicated support line (07) 3254 2657, on our National Helpline on 1300064068 (you will be connected to a Queensland supporter) or one of our Telephone Friends.
Email Support
Some parents may find that they are unable to talk about their experience, but still wish for some communication. Email support can be a safe avenue for seeking support.
Our email support friend is admin@tcfqld.org.au
Annual Grief and Loss Seminar
Our Annual Seminar, held every June, is a half-day program with a guest speaker, information sessions and workshops designed to assist bereaved parents and families with grief and loss.
Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service
Our Candlelight Remembrance Service, a worldwide event held every year in December, is an occasion for bereaved parents and families across the globe to gather and celebrate the life of their child.
Membership
Membership of The Compassionate Friends is open to parents and families and friends who have experienced the death of a child. Membership is also open to professionals with an interest in this area. See our Membership page for further information.
Locate Support in Your Area
Regional Queensland and metropolitan Brisbane support options can be located using the button below.
