“During grief there are often difficult moments, where the bereaved may feel overwhelmed, confused, distressed and alone. Often the bereaved don’t have an awareness of the supports that are available to them in their local community that would be an invaluable support to them during this sad, sensitive and difficult time,” according to Vivian Roche-Fahy, Bereavement Liaison Officer at Galway University Hospitals. Speaking as Galway University Hospitals Bereavement Support Services and the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) launched the Galway Grief Sherpa Network (GGSN) - a new bereavement support initiative, Vivian expressed her delight to be “working alongside a range of organisations in launching the Network and Directory for people who are experiencing bereavement.”

Research has shown that families and individuals who lose a loved one wish they had more resources and support available to them. In an effort to address this gap, Galway Grief Sherpa Network developed the new dedicated Grief Directory.

The Network includes 28 community bereavement organisations and is made up of skilled hospital, community, hospice and community groups. Members of the Network include both statutory and non-government organisations.

Vivian, who is also Chair of the GGSN and Project Lead, further outlined how “we can now ensure that those who are bereaved will have the required information and support for each stage of their bereavement journey. We know that families who lose a loved one wish they had more resources and support available to them. We are now providing that to them. The support we have had in bringing this initiative to fruition -  from the project team, the IHF, St Columba’s Credit Union and Claddagh Credit Union, has been tremendous and I would like to thank them all sincerely for their contribution.”

Deputy Hospital Manager Maria Molloy added that “the development of the Galway Grief Sherpa Network and Directory will provide a central point for those who are bereaved and need some additional support. For the first time, the new Directory will bring together all of the resources that are available in one place for the benefit of the general public, carers, and professionals.”

Dr Amanda Roberts, Bereavement Development Manager, Irish Hospice Foundation, noted how “we at the Irish Hospice Foundation are delighted to be able to support the Galway Grief Sherpa Network. We support a number of Local Bereavement Networks around Ireland. These networks aim to enhance links between local bereavement service providers and aim to raise awareness about bereavement and the local bereavement supports available.” The new Directory, which was officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council and the Mayor of Galway City, is now available to the public, through Galway University Hospitals Bereavement Support Service, the Galway Grief Sherpa Networks, and online, via the Irish Hospice Foundation under Galway Grief Sherpa Network.