At a Glance
- Tasks: Support bereaved children through therapeutic activities and provide coping strategies for their grief.
- Company: Holding On Letting Go, a compassionate children's bereavement support charity.
- Benefits: Free training, mileage reimbursement, and food provided during sessions.
- Other info: Commit to at least 4 weekends a year in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life and help them heal from loss.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, counselling, teaching, or nursing skills preferred.
Overview
Children's Bereavement Support volunteer to work therapeutically with a bereaved child on a weekend. You would be placed with a child and would work therapeutically alongside them for one day only in a group setting.
What difference will you make?
You will see the difference you make to a child from how they are when they enter the building on arrival (which can be quiet, anxious and hesitant) to how they are when they leave at the end of the day, which is usually happy, talking about their special person who died and asking if they can come back again!
What are we looking for?
We ask volunteers to have a working background of either:
- Working with children
- Counselling
- Bereavement
- Teaching
- Nursing skills
What will you be doing?
We are a children's bereavement support charity called Holding On Letting Go. You would be placed to work alongside a bereaved child aged 6-17 years and give them coping strategies for their grief (training will be provided). We hold bereavement support days to children and their parent/carers. We ask all new volunteers to commit to at least 4 days a year.
Our weekends are held in Kent. We pay mileage, provide free training and provide food and refreshments.
Weekend Therapeutic Children's Bereavement Volunteer employer: Holding On Letting Go
Holding On Letting Go is an exceptional employer that offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of bereaved children. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive training, and the chance to develop your skills in a compassionate environment, you will find meaningful engagement in your role. Located in Kent, our charity not only provides mileage reimbursement and meals during support days but also fosters a community of dedicated volunteers committed to helping children navigate their grief.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Therapeutic Children's Bereavement Volunteer
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering with local mental health organisations or support groups. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to the field.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you're a student, tap into your university career services to find volunteering opportunities in therapy and counselling. Many universities have partnerships with local clinics and organisations looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
✨Join Online Therapy Communities
Hop onto platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find groups dedicated to therapy and counselling. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can make you more visible to those looking for volunteers, plus you’ll learn a ton along the way.
✨Keep an Eye on Local Events
Watch out for mental health awareness days or workshops happening in your area. These events can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field, plus you might find out about volunteering openings directly from the organisers. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Therapeutic Children's Bereavement Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the therapy and counselling fields, it’s super important to showcase any volunteer work or practical experience you've had. Whether it's work at a helpline, internship at a clinic, or even informal support roles, make sure to detail the skills you've gained that are relevant to the role at Holding On Letting Go.
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your genuine motivation for wanting to help others come through. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate why you’re interested in volunteering in therapy and counselling—this helps us see your heart for it and connects your experiences to what Holding On Letting Go does.
Include Relevant Qualifications or Coursework:If you've completed any relevant courses, certifications, or even workshops related to counselling or therapy, don’t forget to mention them! Listing these in your CV can set you apart and shows that you're committed to developing your skills further, which is crucial in a volunteering role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Organisation:When crafting your cover letter for the volunteer position at Holding On Letting Go, make sure to address why you specifically want to volunteer with us. Research our values, mission, and any current initiatives we’re involved in to create a personalised letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holding On Letting Go
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on the specific therapy techniques or approaches you've studied. Whether it's CBT, person-centred therapy, or another method, being able to discuss these in the interview will show your understanding and preparation for the role at Holding On Letting Go.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since we’re aiming for a volunteer role in therapy or counselling, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills and empathy. Consider having examples ready that demonstrate how you've supported others in past situations, even in non-professional contexts. This can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Motivation
With volunteer roles, employers at Holding On Letting Go will be keen to hear about your motivation. Be honest about why you want to volunteer in therapy and how this experience fits into your personal or career goals. This openness can make a strong impression!
✨Reflect on Ethical Dilemmas
Be ready to tackle questions about ethical dilemmas in therapy. The interview might involve scenario-based questions where they want to see how you prioritize client welfare and confidentiality. Think through a few examples so you can respond confidently during the chat!
