Grief in the Workplace Event
Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is launching its sixth annual National Grief Awareness Week, taking place from January 26 to February 1. This year’s theme focuses on showing you care and ‘Being Grief Aware’.
When Irish Hospice Foundation was set up in 1986 it saw improvement of bereavement care as one of its priorities. While everyone experiences bereavement at some point in their lives, IHF believes that support in grief should be available for all who need it. National Grief Awareness Week aims to empower both the bereaved and those around them navigate this challenging part of life with greater empathy and confidence.
As part of this year’s campaign, we invite people to broaden their understanding of what grief support can look like. Supporting someone does not require the perfect words. It requires willingness, presence, and compassion. In the same way, supporting ourselves does not require having everything figured out. It begins with noticing what we need and responding with kindness. We often underestimate the power of small acts. A short walk. A meal prepared. A text sent. Grief can be supported through simple actions directed towards someone who is grieving like making them a cup of tea, sending them a message, or inviting them to go for a walk. All these actions and so many more communicate something powerful: I care, you are not alone.
As part of the campaign, IHF is also encouraging people to speak openly about grief and bereavement, and to share information about National Grief Awareness Week with family members, friends, colleagues, and within their wider communities.
Key Events
As part of the week, a Lunch & Learn: Grief in the Workplace event will take place on Tuesday, January 27, from 12.30 - 1.30pm. Many people experience bereavement while continuing to work, and a compassionate workplace response can make a significant difference. This Lunch & Learn event will explore how understanding grief can help employees better support their own grieving process, as well as recognise and respond to colleagues who are grieving. This event is open to employers and you can register here
A Living with Grief event will take place online on Thursday, January 29, at 7pm and is open to everyone who has experienced a bereavement or may be supporting a child or adult who is grieving. The session will offer insight, reassurance, and practical support. You can register here
Throughout the year, IHF supports those who are bereaved through the Bereavement Support Line, an important resource for those who are grieving and those supporting them, as well as through their website at bereaved.ie.
The Bereavement Support Line saw a 4.7% increase in the number of calls handled in Quarter 4 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, underpinning why National Grief Awareness Month is held in January.
Nicole Forster, National Bereavement Development Manager at Irish Hospice Foundation said: “Bereavement affects everyone at some stage in life. During National Grief Awareness Week, we want to highlight that supporting someone else’s grief, and our own grief, can take many forms. Grief can be supported through simple actions directed towards someone who is grieving. By encouraging more open conversations and greater understanding around grief, we hope to foster a more supportive and compassionate society.”
Eibhlin Mc Namara, End-of Life Care Coordinator - St. Vincent’s University Hospital, said: “As part of an acute hospital, we have been involved in the National Grief Awareness Week campaign for many years. The campaign is an important opportunity to promote awareness of grief and the supports available to patients, families, and staff within our community."
Full details
For full details of National Grief Awareness Week events and campaign resources, see:
https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/national-grief-awareness-week/promotional-assets/
For bereavement-specific information, please visit www.bereaved.ie