Support Group Volunteer

Support Group Volunteer

Posted for Simon Says Child Bereavement Support

Posted by Volunteer First

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We are looking for volunteers to support bereaved children and young people - up to the age of 18 - at our monthly support groups in various Hampshire locations - Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Gosport, New Milton, Portsmouth and Southampton. 

Monthly support groups provide a safe and welcoming space where children and young people can spend time with others who have experienced the death of someone important. Being with peers who understand what they're going through can help them feel less alone and more able to express their thoughts and feelings. 

Each session is themed around topics related to bereavement - such as anger, memories, fears and worries. Volunteers will be involved in delivering activities that support these themes, including therapeutic crafts to help them tell their story, as they understand it, express their thoughts, feelings and emotions and learn some positive coping mechanisms. 

Volunteers play a key role in creating a supportive, engaging environment where grief is normalised, and children feel safe to share their stories. 

We need volunteers for our Support Groups in Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Gosport, New Milton, Portsmouth and Southampton.

You can make a genuine impact by committing to 4 hours per month at one of our support group locations. 

What skills do I need?

• Comfortable hearing about grief and loss
• Empathy and understanding of children who have lost someone close to them
• Able to listen actively and non-judgementally
• Ability to remain calm and patient with children and young people, allowing them to express themselves 
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with children, young people and their families
• Previous experience supporting or working with children is helpful but not essential - full training is provided