Children's Grief Centre, Limerick
Picture: Keith Wiseman The mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to be a compassionate presence in the world. Through their work they are involved in multiple ministries including addiction centres, prison chaplaincy, education, catechesis and advocacy. One particular example of how the Sisters of Mercy have made their compassion known is through the Children’s Grief Centre in Limerick.
Pursuing a dream is hard work. From humble beginnings, the Children’s Grief Centre in Limerick has grown steadily over the past eleven years. The centre was set up by Sr. Helen Culhane, RSM in 2009. Sr. Helen is a Mercy Sister based in Limerick city. With the support of her congregation Helen started a pilot project in Mount St. Vincent Convent in 2009. The centre supports children and young people aged 4 to 18 who have experienced a loss through bereavement, separation or divorce.
The centre supports approximately 20-25 children per week in one to one sessions. In these sessions children have the opportunity to express their feelings through art, play, stories, workbooks, sand and most importantly by being listened to.
The way in which children adapt to loss is to a great extent dependent on the support they receive from those around them. Providing formal services for children and young people such as the Children’s Grief Centre allows them to feel listened to and understood, and also gives them a better understanding of their own situation as they realise that other young people share similar experiences.
Research into the work of the Centre shows that there have been significant emotional and resilience benefits for the children and young people who have been supported by the Centre. Many of these young people and their parents have commented upon the ways that they feel stronger, better able to deal with life, happier in themselves and less sad as a result of the positive experiences they have had with the service.
The Board of Management is now planning to expand the Centre’s reach in the community with ambitions for a larger centre. The year ahead marks the start of a planned new campaign to raise funds for our new premises. This dream would not be possible without the involvement and goodwill of the many people who have shared and continue to share the journey with us.
The staff and volunteers of the Children’s Grief Centre, know how difficult it is for everyone who is grieving at this time of Covid19 but especially for children and young people. They continue to respond to those grieving by keeping the Centre open remotely. What they have learned from their 11 years of experience serving grieving families, is that holding a safe space for difficult experiences and feelings can bring about transformation. During these uncertain times, the Children’s Grief Centre is just a phone call away. As always, the Children’s Grief Centre will be available in the aftermath of this pandemic to provide hope and healing to children and young people impacted by grief and loss.
You can find Children’s Grief Centre information online at www.childrensgriefcentre.ie or on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts. If you have any questions or concerns, or want to connect in any way, we can be reached at 087 985 1733 or email info@childrensgriefcentre.ie.
And if you are interested in reading more about the Sisters of Mercy and their work, please visit their website: www.sistersofmercy.ie