The Compassionate Friends was founded in Coventry, England by Rev. Simon Stephens in 1969. 

Rev. Stephens was the Assistant to the Chaplain in the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. Many children died each year in the hospital as a 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 Rev. Stephens to work with them in the establishment of an organization which could offer understanding, friendship, support and care to other bereaved parents.

The Compassionate Friends grew throughout the United Kingdom. The first United States chapter was organized in Miami, Florida in 1972.

Since then over 650 chapters have been established throughout the United States. In 1978, The Compassionate Friends was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation.