Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if bereavement support funding will be made available to communities in instances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27909/23]
View answerI have been advised by the HSE that they provide a range of bereavement supports while also working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. Support is provided in line with the Adult Bereavement Care Pyramid which highlights four levels of support that people may require following a bereavement. Levels of support range from Level 1 (community support, self-help resources) to Level 4 (specialist counselling). For adults requiring Level 3 and 4 supports, the HSE provides bereavement counselling through Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) across the country.
The voluntary organisation First Light provides therapeutic services to suddenly bereaved parents and family members across Ireland. First Light received €50,000 in 2021 and 2022 from the HSE and provided professional counselling to over 200 individuals in 2022.
Anam Cara is a charity founded by bereaved parents to ensure all bereaved families have access to information and support. They provide a wide range of bereavement support services and peer support which are available to all parents regardless of the age or circumstances of their child’s death. Anam Cara also received €50,000 in 2021 and 2022
Both organisations have been allocated recurrent funding of €75,000 each in the HSE National Service Plan for 2023. This will enhance bereavement supports for parents after the death of a child.
In addition to the above, the Irish Hospice Foundation in partnership with the HSE provide a bereavement support helpline which is available to the general public. It provides a confidential safe space for individuals who have lost a loved one, friend or colleague, to talk about their loss and grief.
Finally, within the area of children’s palliative care, Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice provides bereavement counselling on a national basis to families in need. In 2022 Laura Lynn provided bereavement support to over 200 families. Laura Lynn has a service arrangement with the HSE and been allocated funding of €2.3 million in 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
