What : The children and young people’s support service works with children and young people who have an adult close to them who is seriously ill or who has died. The work may be done before the death or after. All adult relatives or close friends who are ill are patients of Marie Curie, out patients, in patients or day care patients. The project works with young people to give them age appropriate support and opportunities to tell their stories and we offer ways of remembering.

Where : West End of Newcastle – Elswick

Requirements : Volunteers work as part of a group with bereaved children and young people after the death of an adult member of their family. There is the opportunity for you to work as part of the bereavement team at a memorial service held every two/three months on a Sunday afternoon, on summer play sessions for visiting young people and Christmas remembrance services. You will not be working with young people who have a life threatening illness themselves.

Induction training will be given for all volunteers (6 sessions in total) and further training in bereavement in children and young people, family dynamics principles of play, child protection and child development will be offered. You will gain experience of working in a group setting with bereaved children and young people.

Expenses : All out of pocket expenses incurred during volunteering such as travel, will be reimbursed by the hospice.

Other Opportunities at the Hospice:

Volunteers are required in the following areas within the hospice:

• Driving – driving patients to and from hospital appointments etc.
• Ward volunteers
• Trolley/shop
• Day care volunteers
• Complementary therapy
• Reception
• Community volunteers
• Admin roles
• Library service
• Gardening/maintenance

There is also young person’s bereavement support (see section Mentoring, Advocacy and Befriending).

Training : Volunteers will be offered training and support in their chosen role, so that their time is used properly and effectively. Apart from induction and mandatory training volunteers are encouraged to participate in other training to broaden their experience. Managers are always available to discuss ideas to develop roles.

Interested? Contact us.