FirstLight, Information

FirstLight provides free professional counselling support to parents and families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child between the ages of 0 and 18, regardless of the circumstances surrounding that loss. Founded by Eimear Berry, FirstLight was originally known as the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association. Eimear's journey began on November 27th, 1975, when she laid her fourteen-week-old son, Brendan, down for a nap. Tragically, when she returned just an hour later, she discovered that he had passed away. Reflecting on this devastating moment, she described it as “silent, sudden, unpredictable, and of unknown cause – classic cot death.” Determined that no family should navigate such a tragedy alone, Eimear established the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association, now known as FirstLight. Today, FirstLight provides free professional counselling to parents and families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child between the ages of 0 and 18, regardless of the circumstances surrounding that loss. FirstLight has a network of over 140 accredited psychotherapists spread across all 26 counties, ensuring that there are no waiting lists. This means individuals can receive timely, accessible care precisely when they need it most. In 2025, FirstLight received 293 referrals, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of bereaved parents and family members seeking counselling rose by 15%, totalling 365 clients, and resulting in the delivery of 2,715 hours of free professional counselling delivered across Ireland.