Ages 5-18
Free Counselling
Across Ireland
Accredited Counsellors
HOPE LIVES HERE
Who We Support
The Stephen Moylan Foundation supports children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18 who have experienced the death of a parent. We work with families across Ireland, in every county.
Losing a parent is one of the most profound losses a child can experience. Children grieve differently to adults. They may appear fine on the surface while struggling deeply underneath. Grief can affect their sleep, their behaviour, their friendships, and their ability to concentrate at school.
Professional bereavement counselling gives a child a safe, consistent space to process what has happened at their own pace, with a trained therapist who understands childhood grief and trauma.
HOW IT WORKS
Get in touch
Call or email us to tell us a little about the child and their situation. Everything you share with us is treated with complete confidentiality.
We find the right counsellor
We match the child with an accredited bereavement counsellor in their area who has experience working with their age group.
Counselling begins
The counsellor contacts the family directly to arrange sessions. Counselling takes place at a pace that suits the child.
WHO CAN MAKE A REFERRAL?
Anyone Can Reach Out
You do not need a GP referral or a formal assessment to contact us. We hear from parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, school principals, and social workers - anyone who is concerned about a bereaved child.
If you are unsure whether your child or a child you know would benefit from support, please contact us anyway. We will listen, and we will help you figure out the right next step together.
UNDERSTANDING, SUPPORT, HOPE
Supporting a Child Through Parental Loss
Losing a parent is one of the most significant experiences a child can go through. Children grieve differently to adults - they may seem fine one moment and distressed the next, or show their grief through changes in behaviour, school performance, or withdrawal from family and friends.
Professional bereavement counselling gives children a safe, structured space to process their loss at their own pace. A trained therapsit can help children understand and express their emotions, build coping strategies, and reduce the risk of longer-term mental health difficulties.
Early support makes a real difference. Research shows that bereaved children who receive professional help are significantly less likely to develop anxiety, depression, or difficulties at school.
IS MY CHILD READY FOR COUNSELLING?
Signs a Child May Benefit From Bereavement Support
Every child is different, but some signs that a child may benefit from professional support include:
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Withdrawal from family, friends or activities they previously enjoyed
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Changes in behaviour, mood or sleep patterns
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Difficulty concentrating or a drop in school performance
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Expressing feelings of guilt, anger or hopelessness about the loss
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Anxiety about the health or safety of surviving family members
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Refusing to talk about the person who died, or becoming very distressed when they are mentioned
You do not need to wait until things become serious. Early support makes a real difference, and there is no such thing as seeking help too soon.
HOW WE CAN HELP
What We Provide
We connect bereaved children with accredited, trauma-informed bereavement counsellors in their local area. All counselling funded by the Foundation is provided free of charge to the family.
Our counsellors are experienced in working with children and young people and use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches to support healing and emotional wellbeing.
We're Here to Help
If a child in your life has lost a parent, please don't hesitate to reach out for support. Our team responds to all enquiries with care and confidentiality.
+353 89 213 9637
Call Us