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Losing a loved one can make you feel alone and isolated, but talking to a bereavement support volunteer can help.

Our volunteers are there to listen to anyone who has been bereaved on the Isle of Wight. We want to support as many people as we can, and we can only do this with the help of our amazing volunteers.

We will be with you every step of the way with training and regular support.

You may have questions about this role, and we hope the information below will be useful. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.

What does the role involve?

• Offering bereavement support to people, either on the phone or face-to-face
• Helping with our bereavement groups
• Helping us to accurately maintain our records

What skills do I need?

• A compassionate and caring listener
• A good communicator
• Understand about patient confidentiality
• Be emotionally resilient in difficult circumstances

What training will I receive?

There will be a three-day training programme for the Bereavement Support Volunteers on the following dates:

• Sunday 20 September 2020
• Sunday 27 September 2020
• Sunday 4 October 2020

The training will be held at Mountbatten Hospice in Newport between 9am and 4.15pm on each day.

There will be breaks and refreshments available through the day and the training is aiming to be informative, welcoming and inclusive.

What will the training cover?

The training will give you opportunities to find out more about the bereavement models and theories that are used when supporting a person who is grieving.

There will be a mixture of presentations, small group and pairs work, with the emphasis on how we learn together and grow our skills.

We will focus on listening skills and there will also be input around how volunteers look after their own health and welfare when supporting others who are vulnerable.

Will the training involve role play?

This is often asked and we will be using role play as part of the training – but the role play will be by the facilitating staff for the training and not those receiving the training. Role play can be helpful in drawing out information and different perspectives but we are not expecting those attending the training to do these.

Will I need to attend all three training days?

Yes – this is important as the training covers several areas and the information and skills-building sessions are an important part of this.

Is there a cost for the training?

No - but we would welcome those who complete the training and who go on to become Bereavement Support Volunteers with Mountbatten to stay with us for at least a year, if they are able to.

I have experienced a significant bereavement recently. Can I attend the training?

We do find that sometimes a person who is grieving a significant bereavement wishes to support others with their grief. This is a natural and kind thing to want to do. We have found over many years that it can be difficult for a person who is grieving themselves to be able to support another person who is grieving – as it can be that powerful memories and emotions are triggered and these need to be attended to.

We would be able to discuss this when a person applies to come onto the training.