Let's Talk about Bereavement volunteer - Dereham Library

Bereavement is something that can affect a person at any stage of their life. Norfolk Library and Information Service have set up a series of regular ‘Bereavement cafes’ which will create a space for people who have been bereaved to come together. This cafe is a new group for Dereham Library called Let's talk about Bereavement. It is a space for discussion but we will also be inviting local speakers from different organisations to talk about topics that might be of interest to the group.

The aim of a bereavement café is to provide a friendly space where customers can sit and talk and find new connections with others; who they know will have also experienced the death of someone close to them. There is no right or wrong topic of conversation, although people know the focus is primarily, of course, on loss and grief and they may wish to talk openly about the person who has died. People may also choose to talk about the weather, gardening or what they have been reading.

The role of the volunteer will largely be to welcome people to the space, help to make the space feel comfortable and safe – and also to make the teas and coffees! They will also be making the speakers welcome and and letting the group know when we have upcoming speakers attending.

Volunteers will be provided with details of local organisations who can help with counselling or more bespoke support if an attendee feels this is something they would like to access.

Volunteers will be asked to give an hour of their time to support people attending the sessions to get the most from them. Volunteers will welcome people to the group and explain the aims of the sessions. The volunteer will also be a link between the participants at the sessions and the staff members in the library.

Volunteers will need to:

• Have a sensitive manner
• Be keen to support others to rebuild social connections they may have lost
• Been comfortable leading conversations and supporting guest speakers
• Have good listening skills
• Be patient
• Be able to attend the library on a weekly basis
• Be able to listen to attendees expressing emotive and powerful emotions