Learning about Volunteer Bereavement Listening, with Graham Wainwright

Some clients find it easier to be more open to a stranger about their emotions and experiences than a family member or close friend. Perhaps they didn’t want to seem ‘vulnerable’ or maybe they don’t want to be seen as an added cause of concern to a loved one, as they will often also be grieving themselves. In some cases, a personal support network simply isn’t available, so this acts as that contact.

Graham initially started volunteering with the charity after his partner was supported in the Hospice during the treatment of her life-limiting illness. He’s also had others in his life require the service, and he explained all of the experiences he’s had with those working at the Hospice have been invaluable; “The doctors and nurses are amazing. They’re helping people through their loss and those who pass on go without pain.”

He wanted to give back and believed that donating his time was the best way he could show his appreciation and help the Hospice. Also, being involved in some similar situations himself, he believed he could support others going through some of the more challenging and emotional periods they will most likely experience.

As with all our Listeners, when Graham expressed an interest in becoming a member of the team he had an introductory interview and then completed our ten-week training and preparation program. It’s a group-based comprehensive look into the aspects of bereavement and how to appropriately interact with and supervise the bereaved. After which, the Bereavement Listening Lead will decide whether a candidate is invited to become a Bereavement Listener. Not everyone is accepted.

During his time so far, Graham has worked with numerous clients in all sorts of different scenarios and coming from a vast range of backgrounds. Graham described that the initial challenge is creating a rapport with the guest and creating a suitable environment.