Origin of The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends was founded in Coventry, England by the Reverend Simon Stephens in 1969.
Reverend Stephens was the Assistant to the Chaplain in the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. Many chidren died each year in the hospital as the result of accidents and illness.
After the coinciding deaths of two young boys at the hospital, their parents met by chance and a meaningful relationship developed.
They, together with other bereaved parents in Coventry, asked Reverend Stephens to work with them in the establishment of an organization which would offer understanding, friendship, support and care to other bereaved parents.
The Compassionate Freinds grew throughout the United Kingdom. The first United States chapter was organized in Miamai, Florida in 1972.
Since then, over 650 chapters have been established throughout the United Sates.
In 1978, The Compassionate Friends was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation.