<p><strong>Advice from Irish Hospice Foundation</strong></p><p>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 <a href="https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-am-bereaved/"><strong>www.bereaved.ie</strong></a>.</p><h3>Understanding the Grieving Process</h3><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h3>Grieving Is About <a href="https://ripremembers.rip.ie/campaign/rip-ie-remembers">Remembering</a>, Not Forgetting</h3><p>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.</p><p>Many people find comfort in small acts of remembrance — lighting a candle, looking at photos, sharing stories, or simply speaking their name.</p><h3>Some Helpful Tips</h3><ul><li>Recognise the extent of your loss.</li><li>Try to rest, eat well and keep some structure in your day.</li><li>Be patient and gentle with yourself.</li><li>Accept emotional and practical support from caring friends and family.</li><li>Allow yourself to grieve in the way that feels right for you.</li><li>Be aware that a new loss can stir up past grief.</li><li>Seek reliable information about grief and loss at <strong>www.bereaved.ie</strong>.</li><li>Be open to change and growth as time passes.</li></ul><h3>Free Bereavement Support Line</h3><p>Irish Hospice Foundation’s <strong>free Bereavement Support Line</strong> 📞 <strong>1800 80 70 77</strong> 🕙 <strong>10am–1pm, Monday to Friday</strong> Co‑funded by the HSE</p><p>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).</p><h3>Free Resources</h3><p>For books, podcasts, leaflets and more, visit <a href="https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-am-bereaved/"><strong>www.bereaved.ie</strong></a>. 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/</p><h3>A Word from Catherine Tierney</h3><p><strong>Bereavement Clinical Manager, Bereavement Support Line</strong></p><blockquote><p>“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).”</p></blockquote>

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Grief Support in Ireland: Practical Tips and Free Resources

<p><span style="color:black"><strong>Proudly sponsored by An Post Insurance</strong></span></p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://share.transistor.fm/e/3c3b8c6e"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:390px;height:0"><iframe src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/3c3b8c6e" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div></figure><p> </p><p>Every day on RIP.ie, families share memories of the people they have loved and lost. Through leaving condolences, we see stories filled with humour, heartbreak, resilience, and the quiet moments that define a life. These stories remind us that grief is not only about endings; it is also about connection, legacy, and the ways love continues.</p><p>Today, we are honoured to introduce a new space for these conversations: <strong>our brand‑new podcast, </strong><a href="https://partingwordspodcast.transistor.fm/"><i><strong>Parting Words</strong></i></a><strong>.</strong></p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/GidMefbW6M8?si=AOu7H3xB1bgA3kDb"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GidMefbW6M8" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><p><strong>Why We Created </strong><i><strong>Parting Words</strong></i></p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%"><img src="https://img-dedicated.rip.ie/RIP_ie_Podcast_LOGO_-_v3_-_LRG_b569d6deae714edf8a207679e60d389227d2da3f7d25f41b.png" /></figure><p>Grief touches every family, yet it can feel incredibly isolating. People often struggle to find the right words, or to know whether what they’re feeling is “normal.” But when someone shares their experience openly, it can offer comfort, clarity, and a sense of companionship.</p><p><i>Parting Words</i> was created to bring those voices together.</p><p>Across the series, guests speak candidly about love, loss, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. These are not stories about death — they are stories about life, courage, and the bonds that endure long after someone has passed.</p><p><strong>Meet the Host: Muireann O’Connell</strong></p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%"><img src="https://img-dedicated.rip.ie/Head_and_Shoulders_Muireann_64b7fbf113fa3d7b3b8b060e5c6b55aece7ae557331bfe2d.jpg" /></figure><p>Guiding each conversation is <strong>Muireann O’Connell</strong>, one of Ireland’s most engaging and empathetic broadcasters. Known for her warmth, humour, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Muireann brings a gentle steadiness to each episode.</p><p>She listens deeply, asks the questions that matter, and creates a space where guests feel safe to share the most personal parts of their journey.</p><p><strong>Episode One: Colm Hayes on Love, Loss, and Living Through Grief</strong></p><p>Our first episode features a voice familiar to listeners across the country: <strong>Colm Hayes</strong>, a legend of Irish radio whose career spans pirate stations, FM104, 2FM, Radio Nova and Classic Hits.</p><p>But this conversation is not about radio. It is about Colm’s beloved wife, Anne.</p><p>In September 2025, Colm shared that Anne had passed away after a six‑year battle with breast cancer. In this moving and intimate episode, he reflects on:</p><ul><li>how they lived with cancer while still protecting joy and normality</li><li>the strength and humour that defined Anne</li><li>the shock of grief, even when you think you’re prepared</li><li>the small rituals and supports that help him navigate life without her</li></ul><p>Colm speaks with honesty, tenderness, and a love that is felt in every moment of the conversation. The episode offers comfort, insight, and a reminder that grief is not something to “get over” — it is something we learn to carry.</p><p>We won’t give away the full conversation here, but listeners can expect a powerful, heartfelt start to the series.</p><p><strong>A Six‑Part Season</strong></p><p>Season 1 of <i>Parting Words</i> is a six‑episode series. A new episode will be released each month, with every guest offering a different perspective on grief, remembrance, and the enduring ties that shape our lives.</p><p>Our hope is that these conversations help people feel supported, understood, and connected, wherever they are on their own path through loss.</p><h3><strong>About the Sponsor: An Post Insurance</strong></h3><p>Parting Words is proudly sponsored by<a href="https://www.anpostinsurance.ie/life-insurance/funeral-insurance"> An Post Insurance</a>. The partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting people as they prepare thoughtfully and compassionately for life’s most difficult moments. The podcast aligns naturally with An Post Insurance’s funeral insurance product, which helps individuals plan ahead and ease the financial burden on loved ones during times of loss.</p><p>Paul Grimes, Managing Director at An Post Insurance, said the series resonates deeply with their values: <i>“Parting Words is a beautifully crafted series that treats grief with sensitivity, warmth, and authenticity. It aligns perfectly with our funeral insurance product, which helps people plan ahead and protect their loved ones when it matters most. We’re proud to support a project that encourages meaningful conversations around remembrance, resilience, and the bonds that connect us.”</i></p><p>One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post and is a tied agent of New Ireland Assurance Company plc for life assurance business. Funeral Insurance policies are underwritten and provided by New Ireland Assurance Company plc.</p><p><strong>Listen to </strong><i><strong>Parting Words</strong></i><strong> on all major </strong><a href="https://partingwordspodcast.transistor.fm/"><strong>podcast platforms</strong></a><strong> and watch full episodes on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GidMefbW6M8"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p> </p>

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Introducing Parting Words: A New RIP.ie Podcast on Love, Loss, and the Stories That Stay With Us

<p>Music has always been Ireland’s quiet companion in times of sorrow. When words falter, a melody can speak for us, carrying grief, love, and hope in its notes. Across generations, Irish songs have offered solace, whether through the raw honesty of old ballads or the tender poetry of modern compositions. They remind us that loss is part of the human story, and that even in the darkest moments, beauty and memory endure.</p><p>In this collection, you’ll find eight songs that gently hold space for mourning and renewal. Whether you’re creating a playlist for reflection, a memorial gathering, or simply seeking comfort in a quiet moment, these pieces are here to accompany you.</p><h3>1. Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears – <i>Seán</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>Keane</i></h3><p>A poignant Brendan Graham composition, this song casts you across the Atlantic to Ellis Island, reflecting the sorrow and hope of emigrants. It’s about first steps on foreign soil, leaving loved ones behind while clinging to dreams of new beginnings.<br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl4pElkCef8&amp;list=RDzl4pElkCef8&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zl4pElkCef8" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3>2. The Lakes of Pontchartrain – <i>Paul</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>Brady</i></h3><p>Though rooted in 19th-century U.S. folk, this haunting ballad became part of the Irish folk canon, largely through Paul<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> </span>Brady’s definitive 1978 recording. It’s a tale of unlikely love and inevitable parting, resonant for anyone mourning what couldn’t endure.<br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8RVexRUoQ&amp;list=RDAd8RVexRUoQ&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ad8RVexRUoQ" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><p> </p><h3>3. Sonny – <i>Mary</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>Black</i></h3><p>Written by Ron Hynes, this tender portrayal of ageing and longing sketches a life touched by absence, from a father who never returns and a mother who haunts his dreams. Mary Black’s voice carries such emotion - it feels like solace.<br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WaLZt11D7E&amp;list=RD8WaLZt11D7E&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8WaLZt11D7E" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><p> </p><h3>4. The Water Is Wide</h3><p>Though its origins lie in 17th-century Scotland and England, this timeless ballad resonates deeply in Irish folk renditions. It speaks of love kept distant by an uncrossable divide; a beautiful metaphor for grief and separation. This version by Tommy Fleming is beautiful. <br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug8b8EmJDhU&amp;list=RDug8b8EmJDhU&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ug8b8EmJDhU" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><p> </p><h3>5. Bright Blue Rose – <i>Mary</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>Black</i></h3><p>Jimmy MacCarthy’s elegiac song uses natural symbolism. The steadfast rose, eternal light, to reflect love surviving through time and loss. Mary Black’s ethereal delivery invites healing.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il6vLcoFTV0&amp;list=RDil6vLcoFTV0&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/il6vLcoFTV0" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3><br />6. The Voyage – <i>Christy</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>Moore</i></h3><p>Penned by Johnny Duhan, this song likens marriage, or any partnership, to a shared sea journey. Its themes of endurance and companionship make it a comforting tribute to someone who walked beside you.</p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZXbU_d_7c&amp;list=RDxYZXbU_d_7c&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xYZXbU_d_7c" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3><br />7. Only Our Rivers Run Free – <i>Mickey</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>MacConnell</i></h3><p>Written in 1965 amid political tensions in Northern Ireland, this song transcends its roots to speak of freedom and fragile hope, perfect for those mourning both personal loss and broader sorrow.<br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL90DI56hys&amp;list=RDRL90DI56hys&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RL90DI56hys" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3>8. Grace – <i>Jim</i><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><i> </i></span><i>McCann</i></h3><p>A tragic 1916 love story between Grace Gifford and rebel Joseph Plunkett. Their wedding hours before execution is immortalised through haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, an anthem of undying devotion and farewell.<br /> </p><figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2MYTBYFXRI&amp;list=RDf2MYTBYFXRI&amp;start_radio=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f2MYTBYFXRI" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><hr /><h3>Why These Songs Comfort</h3><ul><li>Emotionally resonant stories: each track speaks of love, loss, separation, or hope.</li><li>Blending tradition and modernity: from age-old folk to contemporary compositions.</li><li>Meaningful for memorial moments: ideal for playlists at wakes, small gatherings, or quiet reflection.</li></ul><h3>Related Reading:<br /><a href="https://rip.ie/grief-and-bereavement-support/irish-poetry-for-farewell-lines-that-comfort-315">Irish Poetry for Farewell: Lines That Comfort</a></h3><p> </p>

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8 Irish Songs That Bring Comfort After Loss

<p><i>Advice from Irish Hospice Foundation – </i><a href="www.bereaved.ie"><i>www.bereaved.ie</i></a></p><p>As Christmas approaches, Irish Hospice Foundation is reminding people to take care of themselves and those around them who may have been recently bereaved, or who continue to feel the absence of loved ones at this time of year. Simple gestures like checking in, offering practical help, or gently acknowledging their loss can make a meaningful difference.</p><h3>Bereavement Support Line</h3><p>Irish Hospice Foundation’s <strong>Bereavement Support Line (1800 80 70 77) </strong>offers a confidential space to talk to a grief-trained volunteer.</p><ul><li>Open: 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday</li><li>Available up to and including Christmas Eve</li><li>Reopens Monday to Friday (except New Year’s Day)</li></ul><h3>Practical Ways to Navigate Grief During the Festive Period</h3><p><strong>1. Plan Ahead</strong><br />Acknowledge that Christmas will now be different. While you may choose to keep some traditions, others may need to change or be dropped altogether. Ask yourself which traditions are important to you and what you can reasonably cope with this year.</p><p><strong>2. Keep Things Simple</strong><br />Think about what is meaningful and realistic for you and discuss this with other family members. You might decide against an elaborate dinner or putting up decorations, for example.</p><p><strong>3. Begin New Traditions</strong><br />Some people start new traditions, such as visiting the grave on Christmas Eve, lighting a candle, or remembering the person in a toast.</p><p><strong>4. Talk About Your Loved One</strong><br />Let the people around you know if you are comfortable talking about the person who died. If you don’t mention their name, others may assume you don’t want them to mention it either.</p><p><strong>5. Accept Offers of Help</strong><br />Both practical and emotional help can make a difference. Those who love you want to support you, but you might need to let them know what you need (e.g., walking the dog, minding the kids, or putting the bins out).</p><p><strong>6. Plan Quiet Time for Yourself</strong><br />Grieving is tiring and energy-sapping. When you can, lie down or take a short walk. If you accept invitations, give yourself the option of changing your mind or leaving early if you need to.</p><p><strong>7. Include Children in Planning</strong><br />Ask children for their ideas on how to spend the day. Young children may need reassurance that Santa is still coming and to know that it’s okay to enjoy Christmas even if people are sad.</p><h3>A Message from Irish Hospice Foundation</h3><p><span style="font-size:11pt">Catherine Tierney, Bereavement Clinical Manager of the Bereavement Support Line, says</span>:</p><blockquote><p>“<span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt">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 (<strong>Bereavement Support Line 1800 807077</strong>) is here to listen and to guide and support.  We also signpost to services (e.g. if someone wanted to find out about counselling options in their area).  Some callers really struggle as they approach their first Christmas without a loved one; some find the second Christmas even harder &amp; lonelier as others move on with their lives.  Our volunteers are professionally trained in grief and loss, and they really understand.  Please do call us.  <strong>10am-1pm (Monday-Friday)</strong>." ** Closed Christmas Day, Stephen’s Day &amp; New Year’s Day.</span></p></blockquote><h3>Find More Resources</h3><p>Irish Hospice Foundation also produce a free <a href="https://hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grief-at-Christmas.pdf">Grief at Christmas</a> leaflet which can be ordered on 01 679 3188 or email <a href="mailto:info@hospicefoundation.ie">info@hospicefoundation.ie</a>.</p><p>For more information and resources on coping with grief, including guidance for families and children, visit <a href="www.bereaved.ie">www.bereaved.ie</a>.</p>

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Coping with Grief This Christmas

<p><i>Grief is a difficult and lonely time. </i></p><p>Having a change in your financial circumstances adds an additional layer of distress. Like grief, everyone’s financial experience is unique. You may find yourself with a reduced income and are struggling to manage your day-to-day living expenses and financial obligations.</p><p>It can be difficult to manage without assistance. <a href="https://www.mabs.ie/">MABS</a> are here to help you deal with your new financial situation. MABS is the Irish Money Advice Service. For over 30 years, we have supported people with money advice, budgeting and debt.</p><ul><li>Our service is free of charge; you can get impartial advice from MABS to help you manage your money.</li><li>We offer support over the telephone, face to face and virtually.</li><li>We have 60 offices located around Ireland. Many regions operate outreach services to cover rural areas.</li></ul><p>In addition, there is the MABS National Helpline, open from 09:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday.</p><h3>Taking Steps to Maximise Your Income</h3><h4>Step 1: Check Your Social Welfare Entitlements</h4><p>The Department of Social Protection has different benefits and entitlements during this difficult period.</p><p>You may be entitled to:</p><ul><li>One-Parent Family Payment – a means-tested payment payable if you have a child under 7</li><li>Working Family Payment</li><li>Household Budget Scheme</li><li>Medical Card</li><li>Fuel Allowance</li></ul><p>Everyone’s entitlements are unique and subject to means testing. An Information Officer in your local<a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/"> Citizens Information Service</a> can assist you to check any possible entitlement.</p><p>If you have a child, you may be entitled to the Bereaved Parent Grant. It is a once-off payment and is also means tested.</p><p>You may be entitled to get help with the cost of the funeral or paying your rent if you are struggling. Your local Community Welfare Officer deals with some of these payments.</p><h4>Step 2: Notify the Department of Social Protection</h4><p>If your loved one was receiving social welfare, notify the Department. In some circumstances, social welfare payments will continue to be paid to the spouse, civil partner, carer or cohabitant who died for 6 weeks after their death, depending on qualifying criteria.<br />See <a href="www.gov.ie">www.gov.ie</a></p><p>Contact Revenue and tell them your situation, so they can ensure you are getting the correct tax credits.</p><h4>Step 3: Managing Debts Left Behind</h4><p>You may be concerned about your loved one leaving behind debts that have to be repaid. MABS can assist you with this.</p><p>If you have taken out a mortgage with your loved one who has died, check if the borrowing is covered by mortgage protection insurance/life insurance.</p><ul><li>If it is not covered, continue to repay the mortgage.</li><li>If you have difficulty in making these payments, talk to your mortgage provider.</li><li>You can also contact MABS for support.</li></ul><h4>Step 4: Contact Financial Institutions and Insurers</h4><p>Contact your:</p><ul><li>Bank</li><li>Credit Union</li><li>An Post</li></ul><p>Some banks have dedicated Bereavement Support Teams.</p><p>Check your insurances:</p><ul><li>Contact your insurance company</li><li>Check all insurance policies you have, or that your loved one had</li></ul><p><i>For more, visit </i><a href="https://www.mabs.ie/en/"><i>MABS.ie</i></a></p>

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Navigating Finances after a Loss

<p>The loneliness we experience after the death of someone we love can be deeper and more enduring than other forms of loneliness. How can we give these feelings the space they need?</p><h3>Losing the Familiar</h3><p>To be human is to be lonely, and most of us will experience loneliness at various times in our lives. Research shows that people often feel lonely during life transitions—retirement, moving house, marriage, becoming a parent. These are usually seen as joyful milestones, yet they can bring a sense of disconnection. We may feel alone in losing the familiar and uncertain in facing new challenges. It can feel like entering a strange new country, where we must learn unfamiliar signposts.</p><p>In bereavement, we may experience a range of emotions toward the person who has died—including anger that they are no longer here. These mixed feelings can lead to confusion and guilt, adding to our sense of isolation.</p><h3>Lonely for a Part of Yourself</h3><p>The loneliness that follows the death of a spouse or partner is often layered and complex. The losses are cumulative and can affect every area of life. We may yearn for the life we shared—even the difficult parts. The certainty, the shared interests, the intimacy, the interdependence—all gone. Even in imperfect relationships, the death of a partner can mark the end of unfulfilled hopes. The finality of death means the chance to make things better is gone, which can lead to complicated grief.</p><p>After a partner dies, we are suddenly on our own, often faced with a raft of decisions when we feel least able to make them.</p><blockquote><p>“My husband was the technical one,” said Colette. “The first time my computer broke after he died, I actually called out loud to him to help me. I knew it sounded ridiculous, but I felt so helpless and alone.”</p></blockquote><p>Good partners offer comfort simply by being present. Ben, who was widowed last year, shared:</p><blockquote><p>“We were very close and did a lot together. We enjoyed watching TV in the evenings. I’d be in my chair, she’d be on the couch, and we’d exchange a glance, knowing what the other was thinking. Now, I see something in a film and turn to look at her—but the couch is empty. She’s not there. I know it will take me a long time to stop turning toward her.”</p></blockquote><p>Losing a partner can also mean losing a part of ourselves.</p><blockquote><p>“I’ve realised that nobody will ever see me again as he did,” my mother said, months after my father’s death. “I am lonely for that part of myself.”</p></blockquote><h3>Looking After Ourselves as Best We Can</h3><p>As we move through the loneliness of grief, it’s important to care for ourselves as best we can. This might mean accepting support from trusted friends or family. Patience and self-compassion are essential—allowing ourselves to feel pain and sadness, and giving grief the time it needs.</p><p>There may be moments of joy, distraction, or escape that we can allow ourselves without guilt. Expressing grief in healthy ways—through art, writing, gardening, cooking, or walking in nature—can also help.</p><p>When we’re ready, there are sources of support. Spending time with family members who are also grieving can be healing. Sharing stories, laughing, and crying together can be deeply therapeutic.</p><p>Don’t rule out professional help. Joining a bereavement support group can offer comfort and connection with others who understand. If loneliness persists and is accompanied by intense or prolonged grief, speaking with a therapist or counsellor can provide the space to explore and express your feelings—and, in time, help you begin to live more fully again.</p>

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Loneliness After Loss: Navigating Grief and Finding Connection

<p><i>Grief after suicide is profound and often bewildering. </i></p><p>For many men, it can be uniquely challenging because of social expectations about being “strong,” private, or self-reliant. When grief is pushed inward, pain can feel even heavier. This piece explores why men’s grief may look different, how that’s perfectly valid, and the supports that can help when the road feels long.</p><h3>Why Men’s Grief Can Look Different</h3><p>Men are often discouraged, either explicitly or implicitly, from showing vulnerability. As a result, many cope by withdrawing, keeping busy, or trying to "get on with it." This can lead to a painful mix of isolation and guilt.</p><p>In <i>AfterWords</i>, a survey of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland, 65% of men reported mental health difficulties after the loss. Forty percent used alcohol to cope. Thirty-three percent experienced problems in family relationships. Twenty-eight percent said their physical health deteriorated. These figures highlight the need for timely, tailored support, along with compassion for ourselves and each other.</p><h3>Different Grieving Styles (All Valid)</h3><p>Grief is not one-size-fits-all. Many men lean toward instrumental grieving, which means processing through thinking and doing rather than expressing visible emotion. Others are intuitive grievers, and many move between styles over time.</p><p>Returning to work, playing sport, or tackling projects is not a sign of avoiding grief. These actions can be genuine ways of carrying both love and pain. What matters most is whether your way of grieving helps you feel supported and connected.</p><h3>What Can Help</h3><p>There is no single right strategy. Try a few approaches and notice what supports you best:</p><ul><li><strong>Move your body. </strong>Walks, gym sessions, solo or team sports — physical activity can lift your mood and help regulate your nervous system.</li><li><strong>Peer connection. </strong>Men’s or mixed bereavement groups, including suicide-specific peer support, can normalise feelings and offer practical coping tools.</li><li><strong>Professional support. </strong>A counsellor or psychotherapist with experience in suicide bereavement can help with complex emotions, trauma, and guilt.</li><li><strong>Create and make.</strong> Journaling, music, woodworking, gardening — expressing grief through action can be deeply grounding.</li><li><strong>Mindfulness and breath. </strong>Simple practices can help you ride emotional waves without being overwhelmed.</li></ul><p>However you grieve, your love is real, and so is your loss. You do not have to go through this alone. Reaching out for connection is an act of strength, not a failure of it. If you have been bereaved by suicide and would value peer support or a listening ear, <a href="https://hugg.ie/">HUGG </a>is here to walk alongside you.</p><p><i>AfterWords: A survey of people bereaved by suicide in Ireland. O'Connell S, Tuomey F, O'Brien C, Daly C, Ruane-McAteer E, Khan A, McDonnell L, Arensman E, Andriessen K, Grennan A, Griffin E (2022)</i></p>

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Understanding Men’s Grief After Suicide

<p><i>When you lose someone you love, it can feel like the world has shifted. </i></p><p>You find yourself in a new reality that feels strangely familiar, yet everything is different. The coffee may taste the same, but there is an unmistakable absence accompanied by a quiet ache for what once was.</p><p>Nobody tells you how tired you may feel or how daunting it can be to find your feet again. Navigating life without the person you love can feel isolating. You watch others carry on, laughing, enjoying the autumn sun, making plans for holidays, as if they can’t fully see the deep hole left behind. That hole may follow a prolonged period of care, illness, and the whirlwind of administration that comes with death announcements, wakes, and funerals.</p><p>Life can become quiet. It’s as if we have been forgotten.</p><p>Yet, it is in this quiet space that healing begins. This is the moment to compassionately turn toward the parts of ourselves that were neglected in the maelstrom of loss. By acknowledging our wounds, we uncover the fertile ground needed to rediscover what truly matters, how we want to live, and how we want to inhabit our world with meaning.</p><p>Life inevitably pulls us forward. So how can we find our feet on stable ground?</p><h3>Everyone’s Path Through Grief Is Unique</h3><p>The answer is different for each of us. It might mean surrounding ourselves with memories or, conversely, exploring new places and routines. It could involve creative expression through art or journaling, joining a support group, or spending time in nature. While grief is universal, the journey through it is deeply personal.</p><h3>Support at The Sanctuary, Dublin 7</h3><p><a href="https://www.sanctuary.ie/">The Sanctuary,</a> a meditation centre in Dublin 7, offers a range of supports for those navigating crisis and loss. From drop-in community wellbeing sessions to structured courses, their offerings are designed to ease the stresses of being human.</p><h3>New Programme: <i>When Things Fall Apart</i></h3><p>Dr. Tony Bates and Jane Negrych will lead a new programme titled<a href="https://www.sanctuary.ie/programmes/when-things-fall-apart"> <i>When Things Fall Apart: Finding a Way to Face a Life-Changing Crisis</i></a>. This six-session course (four in-person, two online) explores how we survive and grow through moments of profound difficulty, when life feels turned upside down and the path ahead is unclear.</p><p>Whether the crisis is personal or involves someone we love, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. We may struggle to sustain hope. Yet this terrain of uncertainty is where life has brought us. It is the ground we now stand upon, the only real place where we can experience being alive.</p><p>The challenge is to make sense of what is happening so we can engage with it, rather than resist or deny it. We need a new map to guide us across this treacherous terrain.</p><h3>What the Course Covers</h3><p>Participants will be guided to:</p><ul><li>Identify what is keeping them from facing what feels terrifying</li><li>Discover what may be holding them back or keeping them stuck</li><li>Create conditions for being in the world in a new way</li><li>Deal with isolation and despair caused by prolonged suffering</li><li>Build a personal recovery blueprint with strategies for tough times</li><li>Rebuild lost connections through art, music, nature, and relationships</li><li>Reclaim a positive experience of being alive despite hardship</li><li>Discover how facing challenges is a path to growth</li></ul><p>Interested in learning more or signing up? Visit <a href="https://www.sanctuary.ie/">The Sanctuary Dublin</a> for details on upcoming courses and supports.</p><p> </p>

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Finding Ground After Loss: A Path Through Grief

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Condolence Books - Printed and Bound

Mini Condolence Books - Printed and Bound

RIP.ie Sympathy cards

RIP.ie Acknowledgement cards

Condolence Book for Home Printing

RIP.ie Candles

Ogham Wishes

Angel Ornaments & Keepsake Boxes

Pressed Flowers with Verse / Photo

Religious & Spiritual

Hand-carved Celtic Wall Hangings

Mounted Prints

RIP.ie Care Package

Easter Blessings Card

Creating a printed hardbound book of online messages of condolence can be a meaningful way to preserve and honour the memories of a loved one.

Sometimes words fall short. These thoughtfully curated boxes are a gentle way to send sympathy, comfort, and a caring embrace when it matters most.

Condolence Book Cover & Presentation Box - for Home Printing

Topic: Grief