Hospice calls for volunteers

A Lichfield-based hospice is appealing for volunteers as it extends its bereavement support services.

St Giles Hospice's bereavement service has been developed this year and is now known as the Family and Bereavement Support Team.

It has previously supported people after the death of a friend or relative, and the focus is now also on caring for patients and their families prior to the bereavement.

Nikki Archer, head of family support and bereavement service at St Giles, said: "We are combining the currently separate adult and children bereavement services, becoming family focused, with all team members developing skills to work with family groups and individuals irrespective of the individual's age.

"We need enthusiastic and committed people with good communication skills to carry out a number of roles within the service, including assessing families needs in bereavement by working with them throughout the time a loved one is ill.

"Although we don't expect our volunteers to have previous qualifications in this area, we will give comprehensive training."

Potential volunteers will have the chance to have an informal interview with volunteers manager, Lesley Stinton, followed by attending one of two initial training sessions.

The first at St Giles' Sutton site in Sutton Coldfield on September 14 from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and the second on September 22 at St Giles in Whittington, Lichfield, during the same times. For more details call Lesley on 01543 432031.