An Cosantóir

29 journey. It does not come in stages – it can come and go, sometimes quite suddenly. Some feelings might occasionally come, while others might be more prolonged or persistent. Most people move through their feelings in their own way and at their own pace. Some people may feel a strong range of emotions from early on in their bereavement, while for others, these feelings may take some time to develop. More intense emotions may come and go unexpectedly, or re-emerge at significant times like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. Social Support An important factor in coming to terms with grief is social support. While the grieving process is individual, the support of friends, family, colleagues and others both in the workplace and outside of it is very important. This support can be: • Practical, such as sharing some work tasks, or lending a hand with commitments and responsibilities. • Social, such as continuing to interact with, invite or include the person in social events. • Emotional, such as checking in with the person from time to time. Sources of Support Many sources of support are available, both in an individual's own social circle and within the Defence Forces: • The Chain of Command is available to assist a serving member following bereavement. Unit Commanders' Guidelines on Bereavement have also been issued to assist the Unit Commander in their duty of care for personnel under their command. This is a comprehensive aid that encompasses a large body of expertise. • Personnel are encouraged to assist bereaved colleagues upon their return to duty. • Sources of support are available on IKON and on the Members Page of www.military.ie • The Personnel Support Service (PSS): The PSS, together with the Chaplaincy Service, is available to provide support and assistance to personnel at times of bereavement. When bereavement occurs, the PSS may provide the following support where required: ᴏ Home visits to bereaved staff members or to next-of-kin (in the event of the death of a serving member). ᴏ Practical help and advice on accessing social welfare entitlements. ᴏ Support for a serving member and his/ her colleagues in relation to return to work following bereavement. ᴏ Advocacy role, where required, in liaising with the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund to secure confidential financial help towards funeral costs, etc. ᴏ Critical Incident Stress Debriefing in the event of a traumatic death in service. ᴏ Referral to bereavement counselling services, where required. • The Chaplaincy Service: The Defence Forces Chaplaincy Service provides pastoral care and spiritual support to bereaved military families on a daily basis. Their expertise and experience in the area of grief allows them the opportunity to journey with families through difficult times. They engage at all levels of faith (or non-faith) and help families to organise and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones with dignity, compassion and understanding. Their knowledge of ritual and liturgy allows them to engage with families of multi and non- faith, to ensure all funeral rites and norms are afforded to the deceased in accordance with their family wishes, their beliefs or non-beliefs. All bereaved families are given the supports needed to help them understand the protocols that are associated with the death of a serving member of the Defence Forces, either at home or overseas. The Service acknowledges and is respectful of the fact that no death is alike, and every family is unique. Information on the Chaplaincy Service is publicly available at www.militarychaplaincy.ie • DF Medical, Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology services: DF Clinical Psychologists are available to support members of the Defence Forces during their deployment. These services are usually contacted through your MO. • The INSPIRE Counselling Service is a free and confidential service, available 24/7/365 to ALL Defence Forces personnel and adult family members – 1800 409673 OR 00353 1 685 6816 The above information is largely drawn from the Defence Forces Bereavement Handbook, available on IKON. The Handbook contains more useful information, resources available etc. More information on sources of support is available at: www.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/bereavement HEADSPACE & TIMING

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