Bereavement support service available for Kildare people at Christmas

 The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), a leading organisation dedicated to providing support to those dealing with loss and grief, wants to remind people in Kildare about their Bereavement Support Line service, available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. The service aims to provide solace and support to individuals who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague, allowing them to openly discuss their grief and loss.

This service is not exclusive to recent bereavements but is also open to those who have experienced loss in the past. Callers to the line may have lost a parent, spouse, child, sibling or close friend. Some deaths have been sudden and unexpected, others coming after an illness. IHF say that all callers are welcome and that people mourn different relationships – for example we have had callers who struggle with the loss of a pet.

Additionally, professionals in the healthcare sector, such as general practitioners, occupational therapists, nurses, and hospitals, can also contact the support line for information regarding local bereavement services available to their patients or clients. Family members and friends seeking information about bereavement support for their loved ones can also reach out to inquire about counselling services or social support options.

In 2022, under 1,500 calls were made to the Bereavement Support Line. Surpassing these numbers, the line has already received over 2,000 calls up to the end of November.

While the service has seen a slight increase in male callers, currently standing at 30% compared to 26% in 2022, IHF  believes more efforts are needed to encourage male participation.

Catherine Tierney, Bereavement Clinical Lead at the Irish Hospice Foundation said:

“Our experience is that men are more reluctant to reach out and phone the line.  Perhaps it’s a cultural thing – Irish men aren’t known for talking about their feelings so easily, culturally it might have been seen as a sign of weakness to cry or show emotion.  Thankfully that is changing.  But the research also tells us that some men prefer to channel their grief into a project, something constructive or physical.  Like getting involved in the charity that supported their loved one, starting a new charity or advocating for better services. We want to spread the message in Kildare that the bereavement support line is here for anyone missing a loved one this Christmas”

All agents working on the support line are volunteers who have received training in grief and loss and in how to provide support over the telephone . Many of them have completed Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Masters in Loss and Bereavement or Professional Certificate in Children & Loss programs.

Anonymity is highly respected by the Bereavement Support Line, allowing callers to remain confidential. Callers only need to provide their contact details if they wish to receive leaflets or signposting information. Bereavement Support Line 1800 80 70 77

About the Bereavement Support Line

Irish Hospice Foundation's Bereavement Support Line is a freephone service that operates from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm, excluding bank holidays. Depending on the availability of the line, an automatic callback option is also available outside of these hours.

With some funding support from the HSE (Health Service Executive), this service aims to provide free and accessible support to individuals navigating through the challenges of grief and loss.

About Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. Their vision is an Ireland where people facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, are provided with the care and support that they need. From advocacy and education to services such as Nurses for Night Care and our Bereavement Support Line, Irish Hospice Foundation believes in the importance of dying well and grieving well wherever the place. www.hospicefoundation.ie

Bereavement specific information is available on IHF website here www.bereaved.ie