In this vital role, you’ll offer a comforting presence and a listening ear to those who are grappling with the profound emotions that accompany loss. Your empathetic nature and genuine understanding will provide solace to those in need, fostering a safe space for them to express their feelings and memories.

Please note that this is not counselling, but rather a dedicated effort to offer companionship and understanding during a difficult time.

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate One-to-One Peer Support Sessions: Provide individualized support to members through one-to-one sessions, offering a confidential space for them to explore their feelings, concerns, and coping strategies in a personalized manner.

Provide Emotional Support: Offer empathetic listening and validation to group members, acknowledging their feelings and experiences without judgment and offering comfort and encouragement as needed.

Encourage Peer Connections: Facilitate opportunities for members to connect with and support each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding within the group.

Offer Resources and Information: Share relevant resources, tools, and coping strategies to help members navigate their grief journey, empowering them to find healing and resilience.

Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of group members by upholding strict confidentiality standards and ensuring a safe and trusting environment for sharing.

Promote Self-Care: Encourage self-care practices and healthy coping mechanisms among group members, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and personal well-being.

Qualifications

• Facilitators must be 18 years of age or older;
• Having lived experience with death-related loss and being on a journey of healing is required to provide peer support to participants;
• A minimum 6-month commitment is preferred; minimum 2 hours per month;
• A background in Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Thanatology, Community Mental Health, or related disciplines is preferred but not required;
• Access to a computer device in a private, quiet room with internet (for virtual sessions) is required; ability to travel within the London area for in-person sessions is required; access to a personal phone for one-to-one support is required.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, inclusivity, authenticity, adaptability, non-judgment, resiliency, effective communication, and self-management;
• A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required prior to volunteering (no older than 1 year);
• Applicants must commit to an online volunteer training if selected as a successful applicant;
• Experience with art or music therapy, yoga instruction, mindfulness, or other related self-care/healthcare modalities; any additional mental health support training such as Safe Talk, ASSIST, Mental Health First Aid would be highly beneficial.

   

How to Apply

Please email our Program Coordinator, Elizabeth at [email protected] to receive a Volunteer Application Form. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!

At BFO-SW, we welcome diverse talents. If you require accommodations for accessibility, please let us know. We’re dedicated to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all prospective volunteers.