Broadcaster to address public seminar on coping with bereavement

The newly bereaved or members of the public who are struggling to cope with loss are being invited to attend a special presentation led by the author and broadcaster, Christy Kenneally, at University College Cork.

Johanna Fitzpatrick, organiser of the presentation, says for the last number of years, student counselling and the chaplaincy onsite have collaborated in order to provide support for bereaved students and staff.

“Participants in bereavement support groups report feelings of isolation and a sense of helplessness on the part of their colleagues and in the community, sometimes even within their own families, and they were appreciative of the support on offer. It was considered the next logical step to reach out to the wider community and present this evening with Christy Kenneally who is known for his wisdom, compassion and indeed humour in the area of bereavement.”

Born in Cork in 1948, Christy Kenneally is a veteran broadcaster and author of numerous publications, including the bestselling book, Living with Loss.

He is well known for his work in communicating with the terminally ill and the bereaved. He was awarded the Amazon Silver Pin by the Polish Reach to Recovery Organisation, in recognition of his pro bono work in the area. Previous recipients include Hillary Clinton and Henry Kissinger.

The former presenter of RTÉ’s No Frontiers says we can become paralysed by the sudden losses that change brings to our lives.

“Too often, we can sink into despondency and despair. It is possible to move from heartbreak to hope. All of us can develop the muscle of resilience to cope with and transform change. Individually or as a community, we can make a vital difference to someone shattered by sudden change and the sense of loss it brings.”

The free presentation will take place at 7.30pm in Devere Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn (Student Centre) on Nov 8.

Meanwhile, the Irish Hospice Foundation is hosting a bereavement public information evening on Thursday at the Alexander Hotel in Dublin from 5.30pm until 8.30pm. It will feature Professor Tom Inglis reading from his new book written after the death of his wife Aileen and an address by Dr Tony Bates on the theme of ‘Living with Loss’.

This event aims to provide information about grief and the range of supports available to bereaved people.

There will also be an opportunity to talk to voluntary bereavement support services about the supports they provide. The event is free and open to the public.