Bereavement Support Groups Volunteer
Support people coping with loss at St Michael’s Hospice
Join our compassionate Bereavement & Spiritual Support team and help create a safe, welcoming environment for people navigating grief. As a Bereavement Support Groups Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in co‑facilitating supportive group sessions that bring comfort, connection, and understanding to those who need it most.
We’re looking for warm, patient, and empathetic individuals who can offer a steady presence and Bereavement Support Groups Volunteer
Support people coping with loss at St Michael’s Hospice
Join our compassionate Bereavement & Spiritual Support team and help create a safe, welcoming environment for people navigating grief. As a Bereavement Support Groups Volunteer, you will help co‑facilitate supportive group sessions that bring comfort, connection, and understanding to those who need it most.
We’re looking for warm, patient, and empathetic individuals who can offer a steady presence and encourage peer support within our groups.
Location
St Michael’s Hospice – onsite or occasionally via online platforms
Availability & Commitment
This is a long‑term volunteer role supporting regular group sessions such as:
- GRoWS (Grief Recovery with Support)
- RISE (Resilience with Inspiration, Support & Empathy)
- Write Out Loud (weekly writing group)
- Wellbeing Programme groups
Commitment: Ongoing, with attendance at support meetings and development training events throughout the year.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Welcoming group members and introducing new participants
- Creating a warm, supportive presence within the group
- Encouraging peer support and positive group dynamics
- Offering drinks or snacks where appropriate
- Completing attendance registers and passing them on securely
- Sharing any concerns about participant wellbeing with the team promptly
Skills & Experience
- Excellent listening skills and empathy
- Understanding of confidentiality, boundaries, and data protection
- Awareness of how grief affects people differently
- Comfortable with online platforms (helpful but not essential)
Personal Qualities
- Warm, patient, and approachable
- Emotionally resilient, especially when supporting those who may become distressed
- Confident working independently while following established procedures
- Open to feedback, learning, and adapting as the programme develops
Training & Support
You’ll receive:
- Mandatory training including Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, Fire Safety, Infection Prevention, and Hand Hygiene
- Bereavement & Loss training, plus a role‑specific induction
- Ongoing support from Senior Counsellors and the Service Manager
- At least two development sessions per year to reflect, learn, and share experiences
Requirements
- Volunteers must be aged 18 or over
- Enhanced DBS check required for this role
- Willingness to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Attendance at induction, mandatory training, and support meetings
Ready to Make a Difference?
Help create a compassionate, understanding space for people coping with loss.
