Coronavirus and Bereavement
The Irish Hospice Foundation have developed practical and easily accessible materials for the Irish context, and include resources and supports available from organisations such as the HSE, DES and websites such as RIP.ie. There are also topic specific resources addressing issues such as ‘Planning a funeral in exceptional times’, ‘Grieving in exceptional times’ and ‘Helping children grieve during COVID-19 restrictions’ .
Winston’s Wish is a British childhood bereavement charity with a very comprehensive website. Their COVID-19 page has useful resources.
General Bereavement
Rainbows is a free, voluntary service that supports children and young people with separation and bereavement. Support programmes for children and young people at both primary and post-primary level are available for students three months (minimum) after the experience of a loss. Further information and resources are available at their website.
Barnardos provide wide-ranging services to families, including support around bereavement. There is a downloadable e-book and links to various services available on their website.
The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is a member organisation where families, professionals and schools can obtain information, guidance and support from various professionals. In addition to resources and supports, courses are available for professionals to develop their skillset in supporting bereavement.
Suicide and Bereavement
The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is the body responsible for co-ordination and implementation of the national strategy for suicide prevention. As well as general information and resources, the site includes details on regional contacts for Suicide Resource Officers/Samaritans etc., details of various training programmes, and how professionals can access ‘Urgent Help’ at times of crisis.
Headspace is an Australian organisation for youth mental health. Their website has very practical materials for supporting those who have lost a loved one through suicide.
SEN and Bereavement
Mencap have materials for explain loss and death to people with learning disabilities and includes literature for specific aspects such as ‘What can I do to feel better’ and ‘Going to a funeral’
The following NEPS resources may be helpful for parents:
- Children’s Understanding and Reaction to Death
- Stages of Grief
- How to cope when something terrible happens
- Reactions to a Critical Incident
- Ways To Help Your Child Through This Difficult Time.
Other Recommended Resources
Barnardos provide a wide-ranging service to families including support around bereavement. Downloadable e-books both parents and children are available on their website as well as links to various services. A national telephone support service for parents is available in response to the challenges they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Freephone 1800 910 123 (from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday). Barnardos also provide a children’s bereavement helpline service, for members of the public seeking information and support in relation to bereavement. Telephone 01 473 2110 (from 10am to 12pm, Monday to Thursday)
The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is a member organisation where families, professionals and schools can obtain information, guidance and support from various professionals. In addition to resources and supports, courses are available for professionals to develop their skillset in supporting bereavement.
Winston’s Wish is a British childhood bereavement charity with a very comprehensive website.
The Irish Hospice Foundation have developed practical and easily accessible materials for the Irish context, and include resources and supports available from organisations such as the HSE, DES and websites such as RIP.ie.
Supports for younger people
Childline (ISPCC) is Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for young people up to the age of 18. Freephone 1800 666 666 (any time, day or night). Text 50101 (from 10am to 4pm every day). Chat online at www.childline.ie (from 10am to 4pm every day).
The YourMentalHealth.ie website has information on all mental health supports and services available nationally & locally from the HSE and its funded partners. You can also call the freephone YourMentalHealth Information Line to find supports and services: 1800 111 888 (any time, day or night).
(Information from the NEPS Critical Incident Booklet for Schools)