We are looking for volunteers to help us to enhance and expand our bereavement support service. The support you give to those who have been bereaved will help them to:
• Face the emotional consequences of loss with acceptance
• Achieve a revised sense of what can be changed/controlled
• Reach a sense of equilibrium and acquire a sense of meaning
Through your volunteering you will help St Cuthbert’s Hospice to promote pathways through bereavement and the concept of compassionate communities.
• Providing one to one counselling to adults, young people or children via face-face meeting, video call or telephone
• Assisting in developing/facilitating training workshops
• Assisting in the facilitation of group work required to meet clients’ needs e.g. children’s bereavement, post cancer survivorship, living after loss
• Assisting in the various administrative tasks related to the work within the Family Support Team e.g. updating paper-based and electronic systems, filing, photocopying, ordering stationery
• Writing and sending letters to GPs, clients and other relevant individuals
• Assisting in the making and receiving of telephone calls which may require counselling skills and, where required, taking messages sensitively and with discretion
• Working within the B.A.C.P. (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and UKCP Guidelines for Good Practice
• Attending all management, clinical and group supervision sessions
• Participating in any other tasks as required, dependent upon skills and experience
You should have:
• A recognised qualification in counselling
• Membership to the B.A.C.P, UKCP or other recognised counselling body
• Completed at least 100 supervised counselling hours
• Proficient IT skills and experience of using online video communication platforms such as Zoom
This role will suit people who are…
• patient and non-judgemental
• good listeners and effective communicators
• reliable, dedicated and organised
You will also have a sound understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality and respect the information shared by clients and other relevant individuals. You will be able to recognise limitations in your knowledge, skills and competencies and seek guidance from the Bereavement Support Team Leader where appropriate.
In addition to the above, 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.
Times are to be discussed and arranged with the Bereavement Support Team Leader.
Based at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Park House Road, Durham, DH1 3QF
Clinical supervision arrangements will be discussed on an individual basis.
Any agreed travel and out of pocket expenses that are incurred when carrying out your volunteer role will be reimbursed.
This role could give you the opportunity to:
• Build upon your existing counselling knowledge and skills within a supportive team
• Gain more real life experience in counselling and, in particular, bereavement counselling
• Raise your awareness of other pathways to support the bereaved through their grief
You will be helping to make every day count for people affected by life-limiting illness.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this volunteer role
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
