Bereavement Buddy

What’s involved?
• Working within the structure of the support offered and the project model and following a programme of visits/contact as to maintain appropriate boundaries with the person you support,
• Meeting regularly/making contact with the person who has been bereaved to offer support through their bereavement journey,
• Listening and reflecting, helping the person to understand the feelings they are experiencing,
• Helping the person identify goals, this may be around personal wellbeing or setting out achievements,
• Sharing the experience of your own bereavement journey, when appropriate, in a way that is positive for someone else to hear and aid them with their own journey,
• Being understanding and compassionate regarding how someone might be feeling,
• Being aware of your own level of resilience and ensuring that you do not trigger your own grief by listening to someone who might be in a difficult place. Should this happen, ensuring that you feel able to ask for assistance as needed,
• Contributing to and taking part in progress reviews for the person you are supporting,
• Understanding that the role is to support other people who may be vulnerable.

This role will suit people who…
• Have experienced the death of a loved one and have personal skills they can draw on,
• Feel strong enough to share personal experiences in a positive manner,
• Can demonstrate personal resilience in difficult or emotional situations,
• Are friendly, calm, supportive and non-judgemental,
• Have good observational, communication and listening skills,
• Reliable in attendance.

It is essential that you can demonstrate our values of Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, Choice and Reputation. They define who we are and what we do as a high-quality care provider and high-quality place to volunteer.

Location: Various across Chester-Le-Street.
Times: To be discussed and agreed with the Community Outreach Manager or Community Outreach Coordinator but ideally one session of 3 - 4 hours per week with a commitment of six months per client.

You will receive structured, comprehensive bereavement training, support and regular supervision will be provided to ensure that you are well supported in your role and able to maintain appropriate boundaries.

We value our volunteers and want your experience to be both positive and fulfilling. We offer a comprehensive induction programme and any appropriate instruction, guidance or training to assist you in your volunteer role. We ask that any essential training is completed either prior to you starting with us or within three months of starting. You will have an opportunity to learn new skills, build social networks, share experiences and skills and be recognised for the contribution you make.

Any agreed out of pocket expenses that are incurred when carrying out your volunteer role will be reimbursed.

The knowledge that you are supporting someone through a difficult time and the understanding that your own grieving experience can make a real difference to others.

The chance to join a friendly, caring team and know that you are making a difference to those affected by life-limiting illnesses.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this volunteer role.