The Compassionate Friends is a self-help organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to those who have lost a child, a sibling, or a grandchild.

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Our chapter, The Compassionate Friends–Boston, is one of more than 600 chapters nationwide, led by volunteers who have all experienced the loss of children, siblings, or grandchildren.

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We meet the first Tuesday of the month 6–7:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, in the lower level, in Copley Square, in Boston, one block from the Copley Square MBTA stop.

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We also host a group Zoom meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, 6–7:30 p.m.

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In addition, we occasionally offer subgroup meetings on Zoom, for example for those who have lost an only child, for those parents and siblings who have lost a loved one to substances, and for those whose loved ones have taken their own lives.

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Please write to tcfofboston@gmail.com to learn how to access our Zoom meetings.

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TCF-Boston also takes part in the Compassionate Friends' annual candle-lighting ceremony in December, an international Compassionate Friends moment of remembrance for our loved ones.

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Each year we gather on the second Sunday in December for a program and candle-lighting to honor our loved ones. All are welcome, including other family members and friends. We will post more information closer to the date. 

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For any queries and for more information, contact us at tcfofboston@gmail.com or call 617-539-6424.

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Find more support and information for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents on The Compassionate Friends national website.

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Subgroup meetings will be listed as they are scheduled.

 

Again, please write to tcfofboston@gmail.com to learn how to access our Zoom meetings.

 

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Who We Are and What We Offer

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The Compassionate Friends meetings are not counseling sessions; we are a support group. Participants are all bereaved parents, adult siblings, or grandparents who are dealing with the death of a child. We have been where you are and we continue to return to offer friendship and support through the natural grieving process after a child dies. You will hear from others whose children have died—at all ages and from all causes. Some who attend will be young, and some will be old. Some will come alone, while others will come as couples.

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If you’re unable to talk about your loss, there is no obligation at all to speak. Much can be gained by listening. Because everyone else at the meeting has had a similar experience, they understand much of what you are feeling and you will eventually reach a comfort level with those you meet. A point to always keep in mind is that what is said in the meeting stays in the meeting. The privacy of our members is important. We’re all there to work toward healing.

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We recommend coming to three meetings before making a decision about continuing. We have different leaders, different topics, and sometimes different formats each month. Usually after a topic is introduced, we break up into small groups, and in them, too, participation is always optional.

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More than 20,000 bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents in need of support attend The Compassionate Friends meetings in the U.S. every month. You will find it is so very true what we often say: You Need Not Walk Alone.

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Many common questions about The Compassionate Friends are answered here, by the national chapter.  

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The Compassionate Friends-Boston is just one of several TCF groups in greater Boston area. To find others, go here.

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