The Empathetic Community: Grief Support & Education

The Empathetic Community: Grief Support & Education

Nurturing Compassion – Providing Sanctuary – Educating Communities

Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest experiences. When it happens to someone close to us, knowing how to offer support can feel overwhelming. Friends, families, and communities often want to help but don’t know what to say or do — leading to well-meaning but hurtful comments, or silence that leaves the bereaved feeling more alone than ever.

Grief is isolating, and lack of understanding only deepens the pain.
That’s why grief education matters.

Discover the Power of Compassion

In a world where grief is still so misunderstood, imagine the difference it would make if more people felt confident in how to support someone grieving — especially after the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild.

The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) is here to change that. We’re a peer-support organisation offering comfort to bereaved families and education to the wider community.

What We Offer

Our tailored education sessions are delivered by trained volunteer speakers who have lived experience of loss. Each talk includes:

  • An overview of grief and how it works

  • A personal story from the speaker

  • Insight into TCFV’s support services

  • Q&A and discussion time

Sessions can be in-person or via Zoom, and can run anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours, depending on your group’s needs.

“It was a lovely opportunity to provide awareness about TCFV while learning about another service in the community that may support our members.”
— Lisa, Counsellor, Amber Community (Road Incident Support & Education)

Why Grief Education Matters

Our aim is to:

  • Raise Awareness: So those in need can find us.

  • Build Understanding: So our communities know how to respond with empathy.

  • Shatter Stigma: By encouraging open, compassionate conversations around grief.

Together, we can create a more supportive world where no one grieves alone.

TCFV Services

Telephone: 24/7 Grief Support Line
03 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068

TCFV Drop-In Centre, 5 days a week from 9:30am – 4:30pm: 229 Canterbury Rd. Canterbury, VIC 3126

Email:  janem@tcfv.org.au

  • Over 30 support groups across Victoria.
  • Art therapy
  • Time out retreat accommodation
  • Workshops to support the healing process
  • Library of grief resources
  • Peer support for similar loss
  • One on One support
  • Back to work support
  • Special memorial and social events
  • Bi-monthly magazine with contributions welcome from members

Information Request / Booking Form

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Compassionate Employer & Business Recognition Awards

Returning to work after the loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. Having an employer or a business that offers genuine care and support during this time can make a world of difference.

At TCFV, we believe that workplaces and businesses that go above and beyond to support grieving individuals deserve recognition. The Compassionate Employer & Business Recognition Awards honour employers who have shown exceptional understanding to a grieving employee, as well as businesses that have provided meaningful support to those navigating loss.

If your employer or a business has shown extraordinary kindness and care during your bereavement, we invite you to nominate them for this special recognition. Nominations are open year-round.

Click Here to go nominate a compassionate employer.