IHF Forum on End of Life 2026

Every Death Matters: Dying, Death and Bereavement in a Changing Ireland - Emerging Narratives.
About this Event

What is IHF Forum on End of Life?

At IHF, we believe that every death matters and our mission is to work towards the best end-of-life and bereavement care for all.

Forum on End of Life is Irish Hospice Foundation’s national conference on dying, death and bereavement which takes place every two years. 2026 marks our 8th event and it’s a very significant year in the history of IHF as we are celebrating 40 years of impact. Our Forum on End of Life this September is especially important this year as it’s our flagship event in our 40th anniversary programme running throughout the year.

At our Forum on End of Life 2026, the theme is ‘Every Death Matters: Dying, Death and Bereavement in a Changing Ireland – Emerging Narratives’. The day seeks to engage a national conversation on dying, death and bereavement against the backdrop of new research on how Ireland is talking about dying, death and bereavement. Our keynote speakers will challenge narratives regarding dying alone, what we value at end of life and the experiences of death, dying and grieving across a diverse and multicultural society. Our parallel sessions will advance ideas, challenge perspectives and encourage meaningful conversation. All in all, Forum on End of Life 2026 promises to be an interesting, and though-provoking event and we greatly value participation in these important discussions from those attending.

Who is IHF Forum on End of Life 2026 for?

We welcome a host of professionals across healthcare and bereavement and related areas to our IHF Forum on End of Life on September 24th.

It will be of interest to all medical professionals, anyone working in palliative care, chaplains, social workers, social care workers, psychologists, counsellors, nurses and others who meet end-of-life care and bereavement in their course of their work, wherever the place. It’s equally relevant for researchers, community organisations and members of the public who wish to explore how we think and talk about end of life in Ireland today.

Visit the official Irish Hospice Foundation End of Life Forum webpage here for more information.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM
Welcome from An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin
🕑: 09:30 AM
Opening Address
Host: Dermot Whelan

Info: Welcome from CEO of Irish Hospice Foundation, Paula O’Reilly, and Forum Host, Dermot Whelan, Presenter and Wellness Expert

🕑: 09:45 AM
Launch of New Research: Media Discourse Analysis
Host: Aisling Harmey, Director of Marketing & Communications

Info: The Media Discourse Analysis, conducted by Dr Ciara Henderson and Dr Bethan Michael-Fox, will present the key messages most relevant to the day's theme, "Every Death Matters: Dying, Death and Bereavement in a Changing Ireland – Emerging Narratives", in preparation for the Keynote and Parallel discussions. We will use the analysis to highlight and press for discussion how we can advance/improve these themes.

🕑: 10:30 AM
Keynote Presentation, Dr Rowan Harwood
Host: Dr Rowan Harwood

Info: How do we measure quality of death? Should we view a good life, and a good death, as going hand in hand?

🕑: 11:15 AM
Keynote Presentation, Dr Wendy Lichtenthal
Host: Dr Wendy Lichtenthal

Info: Whose death and whose grief is valid? Bereavement as a risk factor in homeless, and mattering before meaning-making within systems of social care.

🕑: 12:00 PM
Panel Discussion and Q&A – Facilitated by Dermot Whelan

Info: An expert panel discussion exploring the themes of the media discourse and morning keynotes, featuring Dr Rown Harwood, Dr Wendy Lichtenthal, Dr Ciara Henderson, Dr Bethan Michael-Fox, and CEO of IHF Paula O’Reilly.

🕑: 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 02:00 PM
Keynote Presentation, Dr Glenys Caswell
Host: Dr Glenys Caswell

Info: Challenging common perceptions on dying alone. Why do we assume that people want to die with others? Why do we assume that dying alone is a ‘bad’ death? Where is the nuance?

🕑: 02:45 PM
Parallel Sessions on Values of Care

Info: The parallel sessions will both challenge the presumed narratives that society places on marginalised communities facing dying, death, and grief.

Parallel Session A – Exploring Migrant Experiences of Dying & Grieving
Host: Dr Ganza Zihindula

Info: How can grief be repositioned, so it is better supported within communities? How can dying and grieving be made more equitable for migrants? How can migrant communities begin to plan for dying and grieving in Ireland?

Parallel Session B – Exploring Homeless Experiences of Dying & Grieving
Host: Dr Stephen Fenning

Info: How does the sense of invisibility in services increase distress in practical terms? How are Irish systems responding to needs in homeless services? How are people moving from homeless services to migrant services, and what gaps are presenting there?

🕑: 03:45 AM
Moderated Q&A

Info: Both Parallel sessions will come together for a shared Q&A, examining the overlap between both sessions, with links back to the emerging narratives and opportunities in Ireland. Featuring representative speakers from both sessions.

🕑: 04:15 PM
Closing Remarks

Info: Closing with Board Chair of IHF, Leo Kearns, and Newbridge Gospel Choir