Expert online talk for Westmeath parents supporting children through grief

An online event is set to shine a light on sibling bereavement and help parents in Westmeath support surviving children who have lost a brother or sister.

Bereavement support group Anam Cara said its first bereavement information evening dedicated to supporting surviving siblings will offer parents some gentle guidance, understanding and reassurance as they try to support their children while navigating their own grief.

'Supporting Surviving Siblings' will be held online on Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm and is open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age of their child.

The organisation hopes it will be the first in a series of events focused on sibling bereavement.

Anam Cara CEO, Michelle Reynolds said the event recognises the 'enormously difficult position' parents can find themselves in as they carry their own profound grief while also trying to hold, understand and support their other children through the loss of their sibling.

“When a child dies, the impact is felt across the whole family, yet the grief of brothers and sisters can often be less visible or understood,” Ms Reynolds said.

"Brothers and sisters have lost someone who was woven into their childhood, their family and their sense of who they are. We want bereaved siblings to know that their loss matters, and that they too deserve to feel seen, understood and supported. This online event will bring together specialists in sibling loss, bereavement services and lived experience. It will offer parents gentle, practical and evidence-informed guidance to help them better understand and support their other children, while beginning an important new area of support for Anam Cara families,” she added.

Anna May, founder of the UK’s Student Grief Network and Michelle Hartnett, a senior play therapist who works with LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, will talk to parents about their own work supporting families and young people through loss.

Ms Reynolds described the evening as an important step for the organisation.

“We understand more than ever that there is a real gap in support for bereaved siblings in Ireland. Their grief needs and deserves to be recognised, understood and supported,” she said.

She pointed out that the organisation was founded by bereaved parents who understood the difference it can make to meet someone who truly understands the enormity of what a bereaved parent lives through.

“Almost two decades later, we are still listening to families and allowing what they tell us they need to shape how our support develops,” she said.

“This event is another really important step towards ensuring that the grief of every member of the family is seen and acknowledged,” she added.

Bereaved parents are invited to register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/of6t-RhtRju5bzN9fQuIVQ#/registration