Bereavement counselling and support services

Talking to someone you trust about your feelings of loss can be a great support when someone dies. Family and friends can give you support, and there are several organisations that offer counselling and support services.

You can find private counselling services online. Private counsellors charge a fee per session. Counselling is available free of charge if you have a medical card. Your GP can refer you.

You can look at the directory of accredited counsellors of the:

• Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy

The Aware Support Line can help you if you are feeling depressed or anxious – 1800 80 48 48.

You can call the Samaritans if you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling – 116 123.

Bereavement support

AdVIC offers counselling if you have lost someone to homicide – 1800 852 000.

The Irish Hospice Foundation offers support and advice through its Bereavement Support Line – 1800 807077.

Bereavement support for parents

Anam Cara supports parents after bereavement and has information evenings in the community throughout the country.

Féileacáin provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland has a directory of support services and knowledge for bereaved parents and healthcare professionals.

First Light supports parents and family members who have experienced the sudden loss of a child under 18.

A Little Lifetime Foundation supports families through support groups and offers counselling services.

Supports for children

Barnardos offers a bereavement helpline for accessing support services for children who have suffered a bereavement – 01 473 2110.

The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network has information and resources for coping with grief in children and families

Rainbows supports children with bereavement of parental separation.

People affected by suicide

Pieta offers counselling, therapy and support for people who have been bereaved by suicide and for people who are thinking about suicide – 1800 247247, or text HELP to 51444.

Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers offer free, confidential support throughout the country.

Hugg has information and support for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

The HSE has:

• A list of bereavement supports and services
• A booklet on bereavement called 'Bereavement - When Someone Close Dies (pdf)'