Our Service
If you are visiting this section of the website following the death of someone important to you, please accept our sincere condolences. Information and support if you are experiencing grief and bereavement or helping other people who are bereaved, is available now on the new bereavement website for Northern Ireland, Bereaved NI.
The Freephone Bereavement Service 080 0085 2463 enables you to: Report a death to the Social Security Agency; Check if you may be entitled to benefits/financial help; Make a claim for Bereavement Benefits and make a claim for a Social Fund Funeral Payment. Bereavement Services Leaflet.
The Western Trust Bereavement Coordinator Carole McKeeman, works with staff to promote bereavement care, standards and training across the Western Trust (contact details below).
Feedback: We hope you find this resource useful. If you would like to comment on it or suggest improvements we will be pleased to hear from you. If you wish to give feedback about the care provided to your loved one or about your own experience of bereavement care within the Western Trust, visit Care Opinion. Care Opinion is a place where you can share your experience of health or care services and help make them better for everyone. Visit www.careopinion.org.uk or call 0800 122 3135
Lifeline Crisis Response 080 8808 8000 If you, or someone you know, is in 
distress or despair, no matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, Lifeline is there to help you. Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen and give you the help and support you need, in confidence. Calls are free from all UK landlines and mobiles.
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Services of Remembrance
Services of Remembrance are held within the Western Trust annually for parents and families of children and babies who have died. Altnagelvin and South West Acute Hospital both hold a service during Sands Awareness Week in October each year. A service is also held each year in November to support relatives and friends of those who have died within Altnagelvin Critical Care Unit. The dates and times of these services will be available on this Trust website.
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Books of Remembrance
Books of Remembrance for babies and children are available in Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen. Many parents and family members choose to write a message in memory of their baby or child, which is then entered into the Book of Remembrance. If you would like to do this or to view the Book of Remembrance please contact the Maternity Department in either hospital (contact details below).
Book of Remembrance – Altnagelvin Area Hospital
Maternity Department, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6SB
Book of Remembrance – South West Acute Hospital
Maternity Department, 147 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 6DN
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Bereavement Booklets
When Someone dies. Information, Guidance and Support for Family and Friends – Helpful information on living and coping with bereavement which may be useful to you in the weeks and years ahead.
A Guide for Talking with and Supporting Children – Written for parents and carers to explain children’s and adolescents’ understanding of and response to death. Contains useful information for telling children about the death of someone close and ways to help support children following a death. Includes helpful suggestions on talking with children about the death of someone close and how to help support children following the death.
Supporting People with Learning Disabilities through a Bereavement
When someone dies: An easy read leaflet to help to support people with learning disabilities through a bereavement
When someone dies.. A support booklet: A resource for family, carers and health professionals who are supporting someone with a learning disability through a bereavement.
Signed Bereavement Information
BSL Bereavement Information Booklet
ISL Bereavement Information Booklet
Sudden Death
The effects of traumatic bereavement are unique for each individual and can vary in nature and intensity. The four information booklets below have been developed to support individuals, families and communities when they experience a sudden death.
Dealing with Sudden Death: Common Grief Reactions
Dealing with Sudden Death: In Adulthood
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Bereaved by Suicide
Western Trust Family Liaison Service – Supporting families bereaved by suicide
Western Trust Concerned about Suicide
Download and Print the ‘Help is at Hand’ booklet that provides support after someone may have died by suicide in Northern Ireland.
Locations where this service is delivered
Contacts
Carole Mc Keeman
Trust Bereavement Coordinator
02871345171 or ext.: 214184
bereavement.care@westerntrust.hscni.net