Wexford parents invited to special event on supporting bereaved siblings

Bereaved parents across County Wexford are being invited to take part in a special online event aimed at helping families support children who have lost a brother or sister.

Anam Cara will host its first bereavement information evening dedicated specifically to surviving siblings this evening, Tuesday, 15 September, at 7pm.

The event, entitled Supporting Surviving Siblings, is open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age of their child.

Anam Cara says parents can find themselves in an extremely difficult position following the death of a child, managing their own grief while also trying to support brothers and sisters through the loss.

CEO Michelle Reynolds said sibling grief can sometimes be less visible or understood, despite the profound impact the death of a brother or sister can have.

She said siblings have lost someone who was woven into their childhood, family life and sense of identity, and their grief deserves to be recognised and supported.

The online evening will bring together specialists in sibling loss, bereavement services and people with lived experience.

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 discuss their work supporting young people and families through bereavement.

Anam Cara says the event is intended to provide parents with practical and evidence-informed advice while also marking the beginning of a wider focus on sibling bereavement.

The organisation hopes it will be the first in a series of events dedicated to supporting surviving brothers and sisters.

Bereaved parents can register in advance for the free online event through Anam Cara.