A CHARITY providing free bereavement support is recruiting more volunteers for its next round of training.
Winchester Bereavement Support (WBS) is looking for eight to 14 more bereavement visitors to join the team after undergoing the upcoming training course.
The charity was founded in 1982 by a social worker, a psychiatrist, a clergyman and an Age Concern worker, who were concerned that local support for residents dealing with the loss of the loved one was missing.
More than 40 years on, the group is still helping around 80 to 90 clients a year with free face-to-face visits, emails and phone calls to suit the person’s needs.
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As well as DBS checks and having a supervisor, all bereavement visitors undergo comprehensive training. Courses are held around every two years to replace retiring volunteers.
The next course, led by two qualified trainers, will run from Monday, September 25 to Saturday, November 11.
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Committee member and volunteer of more than a decade, Rosemarie Humpage, said: “It’s a great privilege to go into people’s homes when they are probably at the lowest times in their lives.
“We’re purely listeners. Some people don’t have anyone to talk to and others don’t want to repeat themselves to the same family and friends who are perhaps also grieving.
“It feels such a worthwhile thing that you have given your time to somebody.”
No experience is required to become a volunteer. Anyone interested in joining should contact the WBS secretary at secretary@winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk or call 01962 620010.
Bereavement visitors can spend anywhere from one or two visits to two years seeing the same client. Those seeking support should first call the 24-hour answerphone at 07450 649679 or email referrals@winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk.
The service is free but relies on donations and grants to keep going. For more go to winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk/.
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