5 ways you can help a friend or family member going through grief during Covid-19

The Irish Hospice Foundation has suggested some simple things we can do to help our friends or fellow loved ones through a bereavement during the Covid-19 restrictions.

- To help a grieving friend, think about how you might send your condolences – write a card, complete an online condolence such as on RIP.ie, send a text or telephone. You might share photos or drop food and little gifts at a person’s door to offer comfort.

- Reach out, make yourself available not just in the short term but in the weeks and months to come.

- Ask your friend how they are doing, ask what might help, listen carefully.

- Offer practical help, for example with meals, shopping etc.

- Offer to help with technology, for example with setting up video calls, WhatsApp or other ways of keeping in touch