Hospice Plans Training For Bereavement Volunteers

DANBURY — Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, Inc is offering a volunteer training program for its Healing Hearts Bereavement Programs on Monday, June 27, and Wednesday, June 29, from 6 to 9 pm, at the Healing Hearts Center, 73 Stadley Rough Road.

The training program will provide an introduction to the hospice philosophy of patient and family care and the role of bereavement support as a part of that care.

Each evening will include a session that specifically addresses the special needs of children and the special needs of adults as they grieve and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The role of the volunteer in this process will be very clearly identified, as will the expectations of confidentiality and commitment.

At the completion of this training, participants will have the opportunity to identify which of the Healing Hearts bereavement programs they would like to volunteer. Opportunities include working with groups or individuals in the participant’s hometown or at the Healing Hearts Center, or providing administrative support at the Regional Hospice office.

Anyone who would like to register for the training session should contact Eleanor McClellan, volunteer coordinator of Regional Hospice, at eleanor.mcclellan@danhosp.org or between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at 797-1685, extension 31. An interview, references, and a background check are required. Registration is required by Friday, June 17.

Healing Hearts is a program of Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, Inc and includes the Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children & Families, adult bereavement programs, children’s bereavement programs, hospice bereavement services, and town programs.