The death of someone close can be the greatest loss we will experience in our lives. Many people find their own way through bereavement with support from friends and family, however support is also available from the following organisations.
The HSE, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, provides a helpline to support people who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. You can call this Freephone service on 1800 80 70 77 to talk to a bereavement support volunteer. The Freephone service is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. You can also access support through the website www.bereaved.ie.
Samaritans provide emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to listen to them without judgement or pressure. You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Freephone 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.ie. For more information, please visit www.samaritans.ie.
This HSE booklet provides information about grieving and includes contact details for bereavement services.
If you have been impacted by any issues with regard to end-of-life care and would like information or support, or if you would like to provide feedback on the care provided to your loved ones, you can do so by contacting the Patient Advocacy Service on 0818 293 003 or at info@patientadvocacyservice.ie. For more information, please visit patientadvocacyservice.ie.