My Voluntary Work 25th Sept 2008

Have had several voluntary work experiences since 2004 with people affected by cancer/terminally ill. Quite a number of them have passed away but the ones I spend time with really appreciate the support I give. I have letters from clients warmthly praised the work I do and the hospital/hospice I visit also appreciate the time I spend with their patients.

To undertake this work I have attended initially the induction training at a local cancer charity (2004), but also undertaken counselling skills course at Leicester University (2005), the five module MacMillan Cancer Supprt Certicate with Open National College Network (2006-7) and the Coaching Award in the Workplace with the Insititute of Leadership and Management (2008) all of which have helped with the patients I have supported. There is always more you can learn and this is possible through the Web (E-Forums, Groups, Emails).

I have now gone onto provide bereavement support for my local community and again this is very challenging work and need a special type of rapport/intuition and training.

I was very fortunate to attend a seminar by Bill Webster last year (2007) on Grief Support that added to my knowledge from the module on Loss/Bereavement from the MacMillan Cancer Support Certificate.

As to the future my client base is quite diverse and have a cohort of older people in the community that I visit and support.