Bereavement Support Volunteer

In this bereavement support role, you will be based at Yeovil hospice and it will be a minimum commitment of 4 hours per week.

Why we need you

As a bereavement support volunteer, you will provide low level emotional support for those who have been affected by the death of a person close to them who has been under the care of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice Care.

Active listening and good verbal communication skills are vital for this role.

What you will be doing

• Provide emotional support as assigned by the Bereavement Services Coordinators
• Work within the boundaries defined by your role and training and refer clients back to the Bereavement Service Co-ordinators if the work is moving beyond the remit of your role
• Keep up to date electronic and written notes and ensure any paperwork is kept securely
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with St Margaret’s confidentiality policy and adhere to its policies and guidelines
• Actively participate in regular monthly supervision, team meetings and training.

The skills you will need

• Ability to be compassionate and empathetic
• Good verbal and listening skills; ability to respond empathically, maintain personal boundaries and suspend judgment when working with people who are bereaved without feeling a need to ‘fix’ the situation
• Good understanding of IT use
• Have a keen interest in the hospice and the services it offers.

Please note

• Applicants will need to be 18+ to carry out this volunteer role and have an element of life experience
• The hospice would not normally support moving into the role of a Bereavement Support Volunteer for anyone who has been bereaved for less than 18 months, however the Bereavement Services Co-ordinators are happy to discuss this further with potential volunteers.

What’s in it for you

• The opportunity to make a real difference
• Broadening skills, knowledge and expertise working alongside a diverse range of professions
• Expenses paid
• Support and supervision from your service coordinator
• Regular update opportunities including newsletters and events
• Full induction and role-specific training
• Additional training courses can be attended if appropriate to the role
• Being a valued member of the wider St Margaret’s team
• Supporting your local community.