Survivor Support - Volunteering
The Distress Centres of Toronto's Survivor Support Programme is always on the lookout for new volunteers for the position of "Lay Grief Counsellor." If this is a contribution that interests you, here is an overview of the programme, and an application form for volunteering.
What We Do
Each person's grief is unique. We support the survivor from the place that they are at, and help to identify and enhance the survivor's own abilities and strengths. The involvement of survivors in the volunteer teams provides peer-based support.
Our volunteers provide support to people (most often families) bereaved by a suicide. Volunteers work in teams of two, and meet weekly with the family over an eight-week period.
Training
An intensive six-week initial training (18 hours in total); ongoing workshops on relevant issues.
Skills and Knowledge Required
- Excellent listening and communication skills;
- Empathic approach;
- Ability to work in a team of two;
- Ability to work with people from many backgrounds;
- Non-judgmental;
- Commitment to the SSP philosophy.
Commitment
We require a minimum commitment of one year. There are six weeks of training, and volunteers work with a minimum of three different families per year.
Apply
We welcome all who are interested in this program. It's highly rewarding and appreciated work. You are encouraged to fill out our Survivor Support Volunteer Application Form.
