Jacinta’s Smile, named in memory of the siblings’ late sister Jacinta O’Toole (30), who sadly passed away in 2016, operates under the umbrella of Vita House, providing support to children and young adults who have been affected by the death of a sibling.
The O’Toole sisters have tragically lost three siblings in both childhood and adulthood and describe the charity as “run by bereaved siblings, for bereaved siblings”.
“We have the lived experience and wisdom in how this may be for the children and young adults that we support,” Charlotte O’Toole explains.
“We know that grief is as individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all so we provide a mix of group and individual support. We offer both peer support and one to one play therapy or psychotherapy with accredited, experienced and qualified therapists and counsellors,
“Nationwide. Our therapists also partake in training through Jacinta’s Smile which offers a unique insight into sibling bereavement.
“Our Adventure Days are impactful and fun, providing peer support to children and young adults with space to organically process their emotions and feel hope.
“The impact of meeting others that understand your level of grief as a child is difficult to convey but our testimonials are compelling. Our buddy system is organic and unique and provided ongoing support to those in need. Our participants face their fears, build resilience, challenge each other and make friends and return time and time again”.
In order to continue providing such an essential service, Jacinta’s Smile relies heavily on fundraising and public donations. With this in mind, the girls have organised an annual fundraiser later this month in the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains.
“We will climb three peaks in one day on Sunday, 27th August,” Charlotte added.
“To sign up for this challenge and to help raise funds so that we can continue to support bereaved siblings, call us at 090-6625898 or 087-4220000 or email info@jacintassmile.ie. All support would be greatly appreciated by everyone at Jacinta’s Smile as well as the young people the charity supports”.
