30 Jul Become a Bereavement Volunteer!

Brattleboro Area Hospice will begin a seven week training for individuals who would like to be a companion to a community member who is grieving the death of a loved one.  Essential qualities of Bereavement Volunteers are the ability for deep, non-judgmental listening; the capacity to witness another who may be in emotional pain and know that you can’t “fix” the person; and the willingness to devote 1 hour per week following the training for this volunteer service.

The content of the training includes learning practical skills for supporting grieving individuals and families as well as an exploration of one’s own feelings and attitudes about loss and grief.  Among the topics included are:  the grief process, listening and communication skills, aspects of child and teen bereavement, dynamics in the grieving family, the role of spirituality in grief work, self-care for volunteers, and  trainees’ personal loss histories.

The training consists of a weekly three-hour session over the course of seven weeks.  A manual is included with the course, and there are a number of readings and exercises to complete before each session.  Completion of the Bereavement Volunteer Training requires attending at least 5 of the 7 sessions, and attendance at the first session is mandatory.  There is a suggested donation of $40 to cover the cost of training materials.

Please contact Connie Baxter, BAH Bereavement Care Coordinator, if you’re interested in learning more about this rich and fulfilling experience.  She can be reached at (802) 257-0775 ext. 104, or at connie.baxter@brattleborohospice.org