You will assist the group leader in running groups of up to10 bereaved people. The groups last 2 hours and are held at The Ladder Centre, Ferryhill from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
Depending on your experience, you might also like to be considered for working with individual service-users by telephone appointments.
• Communicating with the group leader when needed, by email or telephone.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
• 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 existing or 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.
Ferryhill has bus links with Newton Aycliffe, Darlington, Durham, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland and the villages between. Parking space is available at and nearby The Ladder Centre.
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.
