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The Compassionate Friends National Web Site

Offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings.


Metrowest Chapter

We Need Not Walk Alone... We Are The Compassionate Friends !


Frequently Asked Questions

 

IF I GO TO A MEETING, WILL I HAVE TO TALK?
No one is required to talk at any meetings. We understand how difficult that can be when our grief is so fresh. We do ask that you listen to who ever is speaking.

MY CHILD WAS AN ADULT AND DIDN’T LIVE AT HOME. CAN I STILL GO TO A MEETING?
Chapter meetings are open to all families who have experienced the death of a child, at any age, from any cause. Regardless of age, we in The Compassionate Friends believe our children will always be thought of a just that .... our children.

IS THERE A CHARGE TO ATTEND?
There is never a charge to attend a Compassionate Friends meeting. Our chapters rely on voluntary donations from members, friends and the community at large. This helps in printing & mailing our newsletter to all who have attended our meetings.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A MEETING?
Some meetings are simply introducing ourselves and sharing our thoughts and feelings. At other times, chapters have short programs before the sharing time. The programs may include a brief guest speaker, viewing a video tape, or listening to an audio tape.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME?
Of course, you can bring a friend, but we ask that they, as well as members, respect each other’s privacy. It is important for us to be able to share freely within our group and be sure confidences will be respected.

MY HUSBAND SAYS HE WON’T COME WITH ME, CAN I COME ALONE?
Yes. We all grieve differently and he may not be ready to take part just yet .... or ever. And, likewise, many husbands attend meetings without their wives.

MY CHILD DIED FROM AIDS. WILL I STILL BE WELCOMED?
Yes. All families who have experienced the death of a child at any age, from any cause, are very much welcome.

RELIGION DOESN’T MATTER TO ME ANY MORE, CAN PEOPLE AT A MEETING ACCEPT THAT?
I think you will find The Compassionate Friends members are very tolerant of any views. After the
death of a child, many priorities, as well as values, change.

I NOTICE THE MEETING IS IN A CHURCH. DO 1 HAVE TO BELONG TO A CHURCH TO ATTEND?
The Compassionate Friends has no religious affiliation at all. Chapter meetings are held in a wide
variety of locations depending upon what is available in our communities.

I HAVE A BABY-SITTING PROBLEM. WOULD IT BE ALL RIGHT TO BRING MY FIVE YEAR OLD WITH
ME?

While we understand the difficulties of finding child care, we must ask that any children attending with you be able enough to understand the meeting discussions and not be upset by them. Some chapters have sibling groups for children twelve or older; check with your local chapter about this.

DO I NEED A RESERVATION BEFORE I COME TO A MEETING?
No reservations are needed. Just come whenever you feel up to it.

 

Chapter Leadership - Ed & Joan (508) 473-4239 email:headly@comcast.net


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