Call us now

+353 1 414 2235

The CRY Freephone Helpline:

(ROI) 1800 714 080
(NI/ UK) 00 44 8006 40 62 80

info@cry.ie

Family Support Programme

Anyone who has experienced loss knows that grief comes in waves – one day can seem a little better, and then suddenly you’re knocked off your feet again. In a similar way, the reality of dealing with a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition brings about its own feeling of loss and uncertainty.

If you have been affected by the sudden cardiac death of a loved one or if you are supporting a loved one who has a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition, please get in touch.

  • Our freephone helpline is available where trained volunteers are here to listen in confidence and with a sense of safety, solidarity and support.
  • Our volunteer mentoring programme puts family members in touch with others who have had a shared experience.
  • Personal professional counselling and psychotherapy support for children, adolescents and adults can be accessed.
To find out more about our Family Support Programme and how we can help you and your family, please get in touch.

1

1800 714 080 – Freephone helpline number is from Rep of Ireland

2

0044 800 6406 280 from Northern Ireland

3

Our Family Support Programme Coordinator Elaine Whelan can be contacted directly on 087-2174205 or by email ewhelan@cry.ie

About Family Support

Our Family Support Programme promotes and protects the overall health and well-being of an individual or a family who has lost a loved one through Sudden Cardiac Death or those who live with or support someone with a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition. 

We understand that in supporting people at a difficult time we must understand each person’s unique resilience, to meet each person “where they are at” on their journey and help empower them to avail of support which will then naturally have a positive effect on their overall health and wellbeing.

We work to support well being through peer-led volunteer support and professional therapeutic support. These supports are available online and in person. All our peer-led and professional Family Support initiatives are provided by CRY free of charge.

CRY Ireland Family Support Initiatives

Annual Family Day

Online Support Meetings

Face to Face Therapeutic Meetings

CRY Choir

Men’s Walks and Talks

Ladies Creative Workshops

Meet the Family Support Team

Margaret Andrews

Trustee, Chair, Family Support Committee

Lucia Ebbs

Chief Executive Officer

Elaine Whelan

Family Support Programme Coordinator

Shane O’Flynn

Volunteers Representative

Helpful links on your journey

https://www.childrenshealthireland.ie/list-of-consultants/dr-terence-prendiville/
https://www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/345ba-contact-details-for-coroners/
https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/register/death/
https://irishheart.ie/
https://anamcara.ie/
https://hospicefoundation.ie/
The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network
Local Bereavement Networks - Irish Hospice Foundation
Kildare Bereavement Network - Local Bereavement Networks (hospicefoundation.ie)
https://wellbeingandnutrition.co.uk/wellbeing-nutrition-grief-blog/
pieta.ie
turaslecheile.com
https://jacintassmile.ie/
https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/i-work-in-bereavement/adult-bereavement-care-pyramid/
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  • The CRY Centre, Unit B14, Tallaght Cross West, Dublin 24, D24 R3HC
  • +353 1 414 2235
  • 1800 714 080 - The CRY Helpline (Ireland) Freephone
  • 00 44 8006 40 62 80 - The CRY Helpline (N.Ireland / UK) Freephone
  • info@cry.ie
Charity Number: CHY 14506
Quick Links

Find us on Social Media

Annual Family Day

A day for individuals and families who have been affected by Sudden Cardiac Death and those who support or live with a potential or confirmed diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition to come together. The children and young people are supported through play and crafts by our team of professional therapists and an adventure trail of the stud farm experiencing the mares and foals is a main part of the day.  Mums, Dads, grandparents and all other adults will be invited to relevant group talks with our professional counsellors/facilitators. Our Helpline Volunteers who all have shared experiences with our families also come together on this day. The afternoon takes some time to connect families through a candle-lighting remembrance ceremony featuring our CRY Choir. 

Online Support Meetings

The importance of knowing that there are other people on the island of Ireland and beyond who share this experience can offer a real sense of connection and solidarity from the comfort of your own home. Our online meetings are held as evening events every month and also as Coffee mornings every month. 

Face to Face Therapeutic Meetings

Sometimes it can be very overwhelming to come to a support meeting or event with people we don’t know, especially in the early days of diagnosis or grief. Our Family Support Programme coordinates meetings that are personal and tailor-made for individuals and families and professional therapists most suited are introduced to families depending on the personal situation and individual needs of the person or family.  

CRY Choir

Singing releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine and helps boost our mood, deepen a sense of togetherness, and enhance our feeling of social well-being. At CRY, we understand the importance for people of all ages who share similar life experiences to come together, and what better way than to sing together. Rehearsals take place on Zoom Wednesday evenings 8pm for 30 minutes and face-to-face rehearsals are arranged in person throughout the year leading up to live performances. 

Men’s Walks and Talks

Walking “shoulder to shoulder” and having an informal chat can be so important for our men folk. These organised walks take place throughout the country during the year a bite of lunch after the walk is part of this experience.

Ladies Creative Workshops

When words are not enough, a day for our ladies to nurture themselves is so important and these creative workshop days offer time out for those adjusting to loss. Workshops are gentle and healing and involve Candle Decorating, Floral Arranging, Chair Yoga, Breath Work and Singing Workshops.