The Chief Executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation has said that many people are grieving in isolation in the wake of Covid-19 and need to be supported, as it launches a national bereavement support line.

The Chief Executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation has said that many people are grieving in isolation in the wake of Covid-19 and need to be supported, as it launches a national bereavement support line.
It is the first national bereavement support line to be launched in Ireland and has been set up in conjunction with the HSE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Sharon Foley said that the IHF would like to see further easing in restrictions at funerals and visiting allowances at nursing homes to further support the dying and the bereaved.
Ms Foley said that as the country emerges from Covid-19 those bereaved by the virus or by any death will be feeling alone, isolated and disconnected.
She said that 9,500 people have died in Ireland since the Covid-19 pandemic hit and without the support of wakes or funerals or human contact, people are suffering.
Ms Foley said that there are many ways to grieve and many will require others to listen and to provide human support and connection.
She said that the IHF would like to see funeral restrictions eased further and lobbied hard to increase the numbers allowed at funerals from 10 to 25, which was announced for Phase 2 of the Government’s roadmap which came into force yesterday.
Ms Foley said further easing of these measures would be welcomed.
She said that easing visiting restrictions at nursing homes and care homes would help people to get the most compassionate care at the end of life.
She urged people to keep in touch with those who are bereaved by phone, text or Zoom calls.
The support line will be staffed by IHF staff and volunteers.
The IHF support line number is 1800 80 70 77. It is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm.
The bereavement support line is being supported by a national advertising campaign. Former taoiseach Enda Kenny voiced a broadcast advert for the service.
Latest coronavirus stories