Grief Support in Ireland: Practical Tips and Free Resources

Advice from Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation offers compassionate guidance and practical support to anyone who is bereaved, as well as to those who are supporting someone through loss. Below is an overview of some of the helpful information available on their bereavement hub at www.bereaved.ie.

Understanding the Grieving Process

The death of someone close can feel shocking, even when it was expected. Nothing truly prepares you for the impact it has on your life. Whether the death was sudden or followed a long illness, each loss brings its own kind of pain — and no two experiences can be compared. The worst loss is the one you are living through.

How you grieve depends on many things: your personality, your relationship with the person who died, and the support you have around you. Every loss is different, and every grief journey is unique.

You may experience shock, disbelief, confusion, sadness or loneliness. Irritability and anger are common. You may feel guilt or regret about things done or left undone. You might even feel relief that the person’s suffering has ended.

Grief can affect your body as well as your emotions. Concentration may be difficult. Sleep can be disrupted or filled with vivid dreams. Appetite may change. Exhaustion is common as your body and mind try to cope with profound change.

Some days you may feel overwhelmed; other days you may be focused on the practicalities of daily life. This ebb and flow is normal. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line or a set of stages. Certain times of year may feel harder, and memories can trigger waves of grief even years later.

Grieving Is About Remembering, Not Forgetting

Over time, grief usually becomes less intense. As you adjust, you may worry that you are forgetting the person. Moving forward does not mean loving them less. They remain an important part of your life.

Many people find comfort in small acts of remembrance — lighting a candle, looking at photos, sharing stories, or simply speaking their name.

Some Helpful Tips

• Recognise the extent of your loss.
• Try to rest, eat well and keep some structure in your day.
• Be patient and gentle with yourself.
• Accept emotional and practical support from caring friends and family.
• Allow yourself to grieve in the way that feels right for you.
• Be aware that a new loss can stir up past grief.
• Seek reliable information about grief and loss at www.bereaved.ie.
• Be open to change and growth as time passes.

Free Bereavement Support Line

Irish Hospice Foundation’s free Bereavement Support Line 📞 1800 80 70 77 🕙 10am–1pm, Monday to Friday Co‑funded by the HSE

This confidential service offers a safe space to talk with a trained volunteer who understands grief. They can also guide you towards local supports such as bereavement groups or counselling options (free, low‑cost or private).

Free Resources

For books, podcasts, leaflets and more, visit www.bereaved.ie. A helpful video on understanding grief is available at: https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-am-bereaved/coping-with-loss/understanding-grief-and-loss/

A Word from Catherine Tierney

Bereavement Clinical Manager, Bereavement Support Line

“It’s great to know that support is there for anyone who is bereaved AND for those wondering how best to support them. Our lovely service (Bereavement Support Line 1800 807077) is here to listen and guide and support. We also signpost to services (e.g. if someone wants to find out about counselling options in their area). Our volunteers are professionally trained in grief and loss, and they really understand. Please do call us: 1800 807077, 10am–1pm (Monday–Friday).”