Bereavement Volunteer

Bereavement Volunteer for Telephone Support

Background

Cruse’s key resource is its volunteers. None of what Cruse achieves would be possible without the passion, dedication and skills of our volunteers. We’re looking for empathic individuals with good listening skills to join our dedicated team of volunteers to provide ongoing telephone support to clients who have been bereaved by death.

Role description - What will I be doing?

• Supporting the local branch to provide emotional support to clients through fixed ongoing telephone sessions
• Promoting the work of Cruse including the national helpline and local support services

Person specification - what skills and experience do I need?

• Good listening and communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Personal and friendly manner
• A good level of computer literacy or the willingness to learn
• Access to a computer/laptop, tablet or smart phone and WiFi
• Access to a quiet space with no interruptions

Where will I be based?

At this current time, due to Covid-19, following government guidelines, all of our services have moved online and via telephone support. The safety of our volunteers and clients is our highest priority; therefore this role will be based at home for the time being.

When we are able to resume our normal services, you may have the opportunity to undertake the face to face training module, after which you can begin seeing people face to face if you choose.

What is the time commitment?

Due to Covid-19, our training packages have been adapted to be delivered online. The training will consist of a number of small modules based on grief and loss, assessment, triage and support skills, working with trauma and a safeguarding e-learning module. You will then complete a telephone support module. This is followed by a post course interview. should you be successful, and an enhanced DBS check which will be provided free of charge.

When you have passed the course, you will receive a full induction into your local Branch. You will also need to attend monthly supervision with a dedicated supervisor; this will initially be via telephone or via online platform such as Zoom.

As part of your ongoing learning and continued professional development, you will also need to attend 15 hours of ongoing training per year. Training modules are being adapted to be delivered online and we also have a range of e-learning courses available.

What support will I get?

• Full induction to Cruse and your role
• Invitations to regular training events
• A dedicated Supervisor to offer support and guidance
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses
• Volunteer newsletter

What’s in it for me?

• Be part of a supportive volunteer team
• Provide help to bereaved people in need
• Meet new people
• Learn new skills, and benefit from ongoing support and training
• An opportunity to enhance your CV

Anything else? 

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, you will need to adhere to all of our standards and policies, specifically our safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR policies.

About Us

Cruse Bereavement Support is the leading national charity for bereaved people. We offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone die, and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.

Bereavement affects everyone and can have a devastating effect on emotional, physical and mental health. Cruse support helps people understand their feelings, develop coping strategies, and return to every-day life, while remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have died.

Cruse offers face-to-face, group, telephone, email and website support. We have a Freephone national helpline and local services throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland we have a sister organisation, Cruse Scotland. Many of our local services provide children’s services, and our website Hope Again provides support for young people. Our services are provided by trained volunteers and are confidential and free. 

Cruse provides training and consultancy for external organisations and for those who may encounter bereaved people in the course of their work. Cruse has played a vital role in responding to disasters and terrorist incidents, for example providing specialist services after the Manchester Arena Bombing, Borough Market Attacks and Grenfell Tower Fire. Cruse campaigns on behalf of bereaved people, speaking out on issues that impact them financially, practically or emotionally.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.