Bereavement Support

What is it?

The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support  provides a confidential space for people to speak about their experience or to ask questions relating to the death of someone during the COVID-19 pandemic or a previous bereavement that is feeling more difficult during this time.  They  listen to what a person says about what has happened. They hope to provide comfort and emotional support. They also provide any information that might help the caller, including additional information on other practical supports. They provide support for employers or professionals who want to inform colleagues of the care their organisation can offer to bereaved colleagues. Their national freephone service, 1800 80 70 77  is available 10am-1pm, Monday to Friday.

Who can call?

Anyone who has been recently bereaved, through COVID-19 or a different cause of death.  A person who is concerned about somebody who is grieving.  Anyone  finding a bereavement from pre-COVID more difficult at this time.  Healthcare professionals (and others) who have been dealing with more death and dying in their places of work. May be a professional who wants to inform the care their organisation can offer to bereaved colleagues. Any adult impacted by bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who wants to talk.

“We’ve had calls from widows and widowers, adult children who’s parents have died, parents who’s children have died and many more. The reasons people call: Our Support for Grieving in Exceptional Times also includes all the resources developed as part of our Care & Inform hub which was specially created to respond to the needs of those facing dying, death and bereavement during COVID-19 restrictions”.

https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/bereavement-support-line/