Bereavement charity, Anam Cara, launch Series 2 of ‘Conversations in Grief’ podcast

National Child Bereavement Charity, Anam Cara, has launched the second instalment of its award nominated podcast series, ‘Conversations in Grief’, aimed at supporting parents who have lost a child. The episodes share the unique stories of parents who have experienced the death of a child, and how they have moved through the journey of grief, while holding the memory of their child with them. 

“After we launched the first series in 2022, the response we received from parents was incredible” says Sharon Vard, Support Services Manager of Anam Cara. “We know the power of parents sharing their stories, that is a key element of our groups across the country. The podcast has allowed parents wherever they may be, and at whatever stage in their grief, to listen to others like them, and to know that they’re not alone, and that things do change.” 

Each podcast focuses on a different theme, shared through the stories of parents who have been involved with Anam Cara, including the death of a child abroad; through long-term illness; the loss of an only child; bereavement from suicide; and the death of a child at birth. 

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In one episode of the podcast, Martina Woodlock, shares the story of losing her son Ben just shortly after birth, and thinking of the life that could have been. “Starting school, first communion, all those challenges, all those new little things, that you never got to experience. So, the loss is continuous. You’re not just grieving the loss of the baby, you’re grieving the loss of that life that could have been”. 

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Presenter and Producer Sam Whelan-Curtain said “it is a huge privilege to host this podcast – the parents give so much in their honesty and openness, sharing the stories of their children and helping others by doing so”. He continued that he “would like to thank all the parents who have spoke to me and shared their stories for this series”. 

The podcast series, which can be found at www.anamcara.ie and on all major podcast apps, is part of a range of resources that Anam Cara has developed to support parents, including information sheets, video resources, amongst others. Anam Cara hosts group meetings and bereavement sessions around the country and online, and also provides one to one support.