Anam Cara

Pictured Above: Anam Cara Resource Pack launch. Photo courtesy Fennell Photography Ltd.

Pictured Above: Anam Cara Resource Pack launch.
Photo courtesy Fennell Photography Ltd.

The loss of a child is the nightmare that every parent dreads. It challenges everything we take for granted, the bonds of family and friendship, how to cope with what were formerly happy occasions, such as Christmas and birthdays, how to relate to other children in the family while grieving, even our faith, if we have any. Sadly, it is a reality that some parents have to cope with every day.

Anam Cara was set up by a group of bereaved parents to help themselves and all bereaved parents cope with their loss and find a way through the grief.

The organisation does not offer counselling but will advise parents who want to connect with bereavement counselling services. What Anam Cara does offer is understanding and empathy. Bereaved parents have an opportunity to talk about their experience to people who can relate to their sorrow and to listen to others who are on the same painful journey. It provides a safe space, both online and through organised events, where bereaved parents have the opportunity to connect with others who have suffered the same fate.

The Anam Cara organisation will facilitate a series of Bereavement Information Evenings during Spring 2016. All bereaved parents are invited to attend.

Dublin events will take place at the Applewood Community Centre, Swords on February 17th and at the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, on March 14th.

The Anam Cara 2016 Family Spring Event will take place at Barretstown Castle and Estate, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Sunday, 28th February 2016. It starts at 12.30pm.

Informative Videos and Information Packs are available free of charge from the organisation.

Anam Cara support groups meet regularly at venues throughout the country. For more information about Bereavement Information Evenings you can contact info@anamcara.ie or call 01 4045378 or 085 2888 888.

By Jennifer Reddin