The Hospice of St Francis’ Supportive Care Team is looking for volunteers to join its Supportive Care Bereavement Services.
Volunteers are invited to attend the Supportive Care Foundation Training, which takes place in February and March 2016. Training is primarily to recruit for the telephone bereavement support line, which operates out of the Spring Centre between 4-9pm on Monday evenings.
Tania Brocklehurst, Bereavement Coordinator at The Hospice of St Francis, explains: “Our Supportive Care Foundation Training aims to provide skills, knowledge and support to people who have been bereaved. The course includes modules such as working with people facing loss, communication skills, up to date theory, and reflective practice. It will be delivered by members of our Supportive Care and Education teams. This opportunity would suit people who are natural listeners and are drawn to working with people facing loss.”
Training begins February 5th 2016 and the course runs for six consecutive Fridays; full attendance on all dates is required. Attendees will be interviewed both prior to being offered a place on the course and following completion, to assess suitability.
Some places on this course may be made available for other areas of supportive care also recruiting into their teams. These individuals should attend the core foundation days and will then be invited to additional focused training days.
Sue, a volunteer on the telephone bereavement support line at The Hospice of St Francis, said: "The course was interesting and informative as well as enjoyable. It gave me a new insight into my own emotions enabling me to respond more empathetically to the feelings of others. One year into my bereavement support role I realised that the course has provided an invaluable knowledge base."
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Supportive Care Bereavement Services and participating in the Supportive Care Foundation Training course should please contact Gillian van der Merwe, Voluntary Services Coordinator call 01442 869550 or email gillian.vandermerwe@stfrancis.org.uk