Could you make a difference to a child or young person experiencing grief?
About the Hospice
Our vision is for everyone in our community with a life-limiting illness or bereavement to be able to access compassionate care and the support they need. We offer a diverse range of community-based services including Hospice at Home & Day Hospice (Adult Community Care Service), Adult Counselling, Children and Family Support Services and Transitional Care Services across South Warwickshire.
The Shakespeare Hospice has six charity shops across South Warwickshire, and also an online shop, selling a variety of quality goods which have been donated by our generous supporters.
Why do you need me?
The contribution of our volunteers is invaluable to the operation and success of the Hospice.
The role of the Volunteer Children and Families Support Practitioner is to provide therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced bereavement or who are supporting someone with a life-limiting illness. This role is not counselling, but focuses on offering a safe, supportive and consistent relationship to help children and young people explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and feel less alone in their grief.
Support will be provided on a 1-1 basis, at the hospice in our Young Peoples Hub area or in schools.
What activities will/could I be involved in?
- Providing regular, consistent emotional and practical support to children and young people who have been bereaved or who are supporting someone who is seriously ill.
- Offering 1-1 therapeutic support sessions (non-counselling), giving children and young people a safe space to talk about their feelings, worries and experiences at their own pace.
- Talking with and supporting bereaved children, young people and carers, offering opportunities to express emotions through conversation, play or creative activities.
- Working creatively with children and young people using approaches such as art, play, drama, music or activity-based support, appropriate to their age and needs.
- Visiting children and young people in schools, where agreed to provide planned support sessions in partnership with hospice staff and external professionals.
- Maintaining confidentiality at all times, sharing information appropriately and only with the Children and Families Support Team, in line with hospice policies.
- Attending organised training sessions, as well as regular supervision sessions with the Children and Families Team to support safe practice and personal wellbeing.
- Working under the Team Lead’s direction when participating in school visits and 1-1 sessions to ensure safe and effective delivery of support.
What skills / abilities will I need?
- Experience working with children and young people, with a genuine enjoyment of doing so.
- Understanding of child development, grief and the emotional needs of children and young people at different ages and stages.
- Strong listening, communication and interpersonal skills, with a warm, calm, empathic and non-judgmental approach.
- Ability to build positive, supportive and appropriately boundaried relationships with children, young people and families.
- Creative interests or skills (e.g. art, play, drama, music or crafts) and willingness to use creative approaches in a therapeutic support setting.
- Self-awareness and willingness to engage in reflective practice, supervision, training and ongoing learning.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with reliability, professionalism and a commitment to confidentiality.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and the limits of a non-counselling role, with a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
- Commitment to supporting bereaved children, young people and families and contributing to the work of a local charity supporting people affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement.
- This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
How much time should I offer?
- Your availability and involvement will be agreed with the Service Lead.
- As this role involves building supportive relationships with children, young people and families, we ask for a minimum commitment of 12 months, where possible.
- The role is primarily based at The Shakespeare Hospice, with some outreach work in schools across South Warwickshire under the guidance of the Children and Family Support Service Team Lead.
Will I have an induction and training?
You will receive a full induction when you start as a volunteer with the Hospice, including:
- A tour of the hospice and introductions to the team
- Health and safety information
- Safeguarding guidance
- An induction training programme relevant to your role
Additional training will be provided as required to support you in offering therapeutic bereavement support to children and young people.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
- Being part of a supportive and friendly team making a real difference to bereaved children and families
- Gaining valuable experience in children’s bereavement support work
- Developing confidence, communication and reflective skills
- Meeting new people and building meaningful connections
We are very grateful to all our volunteers, who help us to deliver the highest quality of care and support to our patients and their families.
