About Us - Childrens Grief Centre | Support Service | Bearevement

Caring, Listening, Sharing, and Healing

The loss of a loved one is very difficult for children and young people. Death, separation and divorce changes the shape of a family. Whatever the reason the impact on a child or young person can be tough, as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened.

The Children’s Grief Centre is here to walk the journey with your child. We provide support, care and an open ear to hear their story. We do not charge a fee for our service.

Why We're Needed

In 2011, it was estimated that in Ireland there were 3,360 16 year olds who had experienced the death of one or both parents. A similar number had experienced the death of a sibling (Irish Hospice Foundation, 2012). More recently, according to the Growing Up in Ireland Study, a Government-funded study of children being carried out jointly by the ESRI and Trinity College Dublin:

“Over one-third of 9-year-olds had experienced the death of a close family member (not including a parent) since the age of 5.”

To find out more visit www.esri.ie/growing-up-in-ireland

Why We're Needed

In 2011, it was estimated that in Ireland there were 3,360 16 year olds who had experienced the death of one or both parents. A similar number had experienced the death of a sibling (Irish Hospice Foundation, 2012). More recently, according to the Growing Up in Ireland Study, a Government-funded study of children being carried out jointly by the ESRI and Trinity College Dublin:

“Over one-third of 9-year-olds had experienced the death of a close family member (not including a parent) since the age of 5.”

To find out more visit www.esri.ie/growing-up-in-ireland

9-year-olds who had experienced several stressful life events in the previous four years were more likely to be at risk of socio-emotional and behavioural problems.

Experiences of loss and bereavement are all too common among children and young people in Ireland today. The loss of a parent either through death or separation is one of the most profound a child can face. It fundamentally changes the core of a child’s existence (Worden, 1996).

Our Story

The Children’s Grief Centre was founded in 2009 by, Sister Helen Culhane, together with a support group of professionals. As a Sister of Mercy. a qualified social worker and psychotherapist, Helen worked with people who were struggling with issues relating to death, bereavement and palliative care. This included time spent at Milford Care Centre.

Helen’s experience meant she developed a clear understanding of the needs of children and young people who were experiencing loss. She recognised that there was a lack of services and support for children and young people who were affected by the death of a loved one. Helen also saw there was an increasing need for support of children and young people who suffer loss due to separation or divorce of parents.

Helen’s vision was that the Centre would provide children and young people with a listening ear.

The Centre is well established within the Mid-West region, serving counties Clare, Tipperary, Limerick and further afield. We have a team of trained, full time Support Workers and part-time volunteer Support Workers with experience in a diverse range of specialist fields including education, nursing, social work and psychotherapy.

Does Your Child Need to Talk?

After a death or family separation, one of the things many children feel the need to do is share their story. One of the ways an adult can help a child through this emotional time is simply to LISTEN. Of course they don’t always make this known, so watching for the signs is key. Your child may benefit from support if he or she:

displays sadness that doesn’t seem to lift.
shows signs of changes in attitude or behaviour.
is angry and expresses rage or defiance.
is withdrawn and appears to be lonely.
has nightmares or sudden fears.
is confused about what has happened.

Does Your Child Need to Talk?

After a death or family separation, one of the things many children feel the need to do is share their story. One of the ways an adult can help a child through this emotional time is simply to LISTEN. Of course they don’t always make this known, so watching for the signs is key. Your child may benefit from support if he or she:

displays sadness that doesn’t seem to lift.
shows signs of changes in attitude or behaviour.
is angry and expresses rage or defiance.
is withdrawn and appears to be lonely.
has nightmares or sudden fears.
is confused about what has happened.

How Your Child Benefits

Children are able to open up to an objective, neutral person.
Children feel heard and understood.
Children who share their stories gain a renewed sense of self-value.
By ‘getting their words out’ and verbalising what they are feeling, children start to make sense of what they are going through and feel more in control.
Children feel less anxious and worried.

How Your Child Benefits

Children are able to open up to an objective, neutral person.
Children feel heard and understood.
Children who share their stories gain a renewed sense of self-value.
By ‘getting their words out’ and verbalising what they are feeling, children start to make sense of what they are going through and feel more in control.
Children feel less anxious and worried.

Start the healing process

Get in touch by email: info@childrensgriefcentre.ie or call us on 061 224 627 or 087 985 1733

Office opening hours: 9.30 am - 5.00 pm

Charity No. CHY22832 | Registered Charity Number 20205877