You will assist the group leader in running groups of up to10 bereaved people. The groups last 2 hours and are held at Bishop Middleham Village Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, and at The Ladder Centre, Ferryhill, from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
After the required training and some experience in helping with groups, you might like to be considered for working with individual service-users by telephone appointments.
• Communicating with the group leader as needed, by email or telephone, before group sessions.
• Helping the group leader to welcome people as they arrive.
• Listening to each member of the group as they speak about their bereavement.
• Joining in group conversations as appropriate.
• Supporting and comforting individuals who may be distressed.
• Helping with general tasks such as making tea before sessions and washing up afterwards.
• Experience in befriending or listening is desirable but not necessary.
• Friendly and comfortable with groups.
• Able to work sensitively with vulnerable people.
• Good listening skills are essential: ability to listen to others with concentration, respect and empathy.
• Ability to understand and accept that everyone’s journey through bereavement will be different.
• Willingness to learn, e.g. about group dynamics and symptoms and needs of those affected by bereavement.
• Non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Reliability.
1. Bishop Middleham Village Hall, Front Street, Bishop Middleham, DL17 9AJ.
2. The Ladder Centre, 5-7 Coniston Road, Ferryhill, DL17 8EZ
• Training in bereavement listening will be given and ongoing support will be available.
• Travelling expenses can be arranged if needed.
• Safeguarding training and DBS checks are organised and financed by the Parish of the Upper Skerne.
• Email and telephone communication is required.
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping people.
• Learning and practising new skills within a supportive setting.
• Growth of knowledge and understanding, not only of others but often of yourself too.
• Developing self-esteem and confidence while working within a respected award-winning service.
We are trained to work with adults only. There is no upper limit to the ages of volunteers or service-users and people with disabilities are welcome. Telephone listeners work from home.
