The Children and Loss Conference 2019

The Children’s Grief Centre celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary since it’s foundation in 2009, by holding it’s first conference event titled Children and Loss Conference 2019 last Friday, the 14th June at the Millennium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology. Over 300 people came to the conference, including care professionals such as psychologists, social workers, youth workers, social care practitioners, teachers, and SNAs, as well as the general public such as parents, grandparents and family members. 

The conference included speeches from Sr Helen Culhane, journalist Daniel McConnell, Political Editor, Irish Examiner and Trinity College proffessor Dr. Elizabeth Nixon.  There were also four workshops in the afternoon for attendees and a Q&A session with all the guest speakers at the end. The workshops were facilitated by Jennifer Moran Stritch, Lecturer/Director Loss & Research Group, Limerick Institure of Technology, Elke Hayes, Lecturer, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Rebecca Lloyd, Children’s Grief Centre’s Schools Coordinator, Theresa Kavanagh, Support Worker, Children’s Grief Centre and also Sr. Helen Culhane, Director, Children’s Grief Centre.  Dr. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist & Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, gave the closing speech and facilitate the open panel discussion on the day.

Also speaking at the conference was Olive Foley, ambassador for the Children’s Grief Centre, who said the Centre ‘allows children to express themselves through play, art, and offering a listening ear in a safe, and non-judgmental setting.’

The conference was opened by Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of the Limerick Institute of Technology who extended a warm welcome to attendees.  We would like to thank both Professor Vincent Cunnane and LIT for assisting us in organising this event.

Dr Elizabeth Nixon’s powerpoint presentation and her report titled Evaluation of the Children’s Grief Project 2016 are available to read below. Please click the relevant link below.

ENixon Evaluation of the Children’s Grief Project

E Nixon TCD presentation

Thanks to all who helped and supported the Centre throughout these last few months.  We are very grateful for the assistance and support we received from all involved in both preparing for this event and in helping out on the day itself.