The Compassionate Friends Victoria - Grief Support Groups

The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) provide a range of support groups and social activities to help individuals and their family cope with grief in the event of the death of a child.

TCFV use lived experience to provide peer support for grieving family members. This means that whenever individuals speak to a member of TCFV’s volunteer support team, they will be speaking to a person who has common experiences.

The Compassionate Friends Grief Support Groups typically start with an informal time for welcoming people and having a cup of tea or coffee. The formal part of the meeting then begins with the facilitator speaking and perhaps reading a piece of poetry or a short story, after which time individuals are invited to share as much or as little of their stories, thoughts, or feelings as they need.

There are a range of support groups available in Melbourne Metro and Country Victoria.

The common support groups at the Cantebury site include:

• 'Bereaved By Suicide' Support Group: held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.30pm
• Canterbury Siblings Support Group (ages 18+): held the third Tuesday of the month at 7.45pm
  
• Bereaved Support Group for Men: held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm—9:00 pm

Please keep in mind, individuals will need to be a member of TCFV to attend any group. The first year of membership is complimentary. For first time attendees, please call 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 to arrange a pre-meeting chat with the group leader.

Meetings are for individuals 18 years of age and over living in Australia, who have experienced the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, granddaughter or grandson, at any age, from any cause.

TCFV's grief support groups are included as part of a TCFV membership. However, new members receive a complimentary annual membership. For subsequent years, membership is $55 per annum.