“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”
(In the shadow of each other, we live)
Research states that the greatest fear of a grieving child is to cry in front of their classmates. Successful legacy from an event marking the pandemic would be for every Irish child to be equipped to comfort a friend in grief, for every adult to know there is someone and somewhere to turn.
The Government National Event of the 20th March should signify the start of our nations response to the pandemic and the grief it brought. Local ownership needs its place alongside moments for appropriate national pride.
There is so much our Local Authorities can now do to inform and support our bereaved communities and individuals. At IHF we know dying, death, grief and bereavement and we can help you build a supporting model for your local community.
What IHF can do: Work with you, offer models, expertise, and support.
What you can do: Begin the process of building a republic with care at its heart.
Support the National Day on 20th March
In support of and mirroring the National Event a flag lowering moment on March 20th that coincides with the announcement of your commitment to a deeper programme to exploring through the arts the impact of the pandemic.
Compassionate Culture Network & Staff Support
Compassionate Culture Network uses creativity to establish places where people can talk openly about loss. Its local leaders work as connected peers, learning from each other, with IHF bringing awareness, training and support. These initiatives are currently supporting groups to develop cultural projects focused on remembrance and healing in the face of experiences of death and loss during the pandemic. Each links to local, professional and charitable sector resources like bereavement networks, HSE, as well as families and friends. We can offer you support to develop a CCN for your community.
- The programme begins with online training and information exchange facilitated by IHF
- Your CCN runs for a 16 week cycle
- We support in the recruitment of 2 local artists and facilitators in each area
- We offer continued support and guidance in the form of peer meetings, links to local bereavement services and bespoke supports.
Our Grief In The Workplace programme helps employers provide appropriate supports to employees who are bereaved. We can offer training to your Managers on how to support themselves and staff.
Includes:
Facilitated workshop and training, 16 week training programme, 2 creative facilitators sourced locally, materials budget, training and support of IHF plus Grief in the Workplace training for staff.
Call Dominic on 086 8297919 or email [email protected] for more information.
Compassionate Culture Networks in Action
Wicklow CCN
At the Compassionate Culture Network in Wicklow, performance maker Andrea Scott invites people to walk, talk, move and explore what might be created from loss in the magnificent woods of Killruddery House in Bray, Co. Wicklow
Read more about Wicklow Compassionate Culture Network.
Galway CCN
On Druid Lane in Galway City, every Monday a space in Ean restaurant is transformed into The Grief Cafe. People come to chat, to draw, to listen to poetry, exploring grief and sadness in a gentle, creative way.
Read more about Galway Compassionate Culture Network.
Cork CCN
Artist Tess Leak and printmaker Mary Callaghan are collectively exploring loss through the creation of haiku-inspired poetry, drawing and printmaking in Bantry and Clonakilty
Read more about Cork Compassionate Culture Network.
Houses of Memory
House of Memory, designed by Architecture at the Edge and Arts Officers in Galway was installed and prototyped at Galway Arts Festival 2021.
House of Memory invites the public to share their personal experience of loss and grief during the pandemic in a tangible way. They are offered a temporary architectural platform to lament loss within the structure by leaving a memento or a short written message in remembrance and as a symbol of hope for the future.
Your House of Memory can be built in a local office or centre and left open to the public for your chosen time.
Includes:
Facilitated workshop, plans and process to build the structure, support to promote.
To find out more, fill out this short form below and we will call you back or contact Dominic Campbell, Arts & Engagement Officer on 086 829 7919 or [email protected]