Family Support Volunteer

About Simon Says
Simon Says Bereavement Support is a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Our monthly support groups provide a safe and understanding environment where young people can express their grief, build resilience, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Family Support Volunteers play a key role in ensuring that parents and carers also feel supported, informed, and understood during their child’s bereavement journey.

Role Purpose

To provide compassionate, informed support to parents and carers while their children attend Simon Says Bereavement Support Groups. Volunteers help families feel welcomed, reassured, and included, offering clear communication about group activities and signposting additional support where needed.

Key Responsibilities

What you’ll do

• Warmly greet new and returning families attending support groups
• Provide 1:1 support to new families, listening sensitively as they share their story and help them feel comfortable in the group environment.
• Check in with existing families each month, offering continuity and a familiar face. 
• Handle sensitive information confidentially and follow safeguarding procedures.

Explaining the Children’s Session Activities

• Confidently explain to adults what their children will be doing during the session.
• Help parents understand why certain activities are used and how they support children with processing grief, expressing emotions, and developing coping strategies.
• Answer questions and provide reassurance about the group process.

Offering Emotional Support and Signposting

• Provide compassionate listening to families who may be experiencing distress or uncertainty.
• Identify when additional support might be needed and signpost families to other appropriate services, organisations, or resources within and beyond Simon Says.

Safeguarding and Confidentiality

• Handle all personal and sensitive information with complete confidentiality.
• Work within Simon Says safeguarding policies and procedures; report any concerns promptly to group leaders or staff.
• Maintain clear boundaries while offering empathetic support.

Why This Role Matters

By volunteering just four hours a month, you make a lasting difference to families navigating one of life’s hardest challenges. Family Support Volunteers help parents and carers feel understood, reassured, and connected to the support their children receive — strengthening the holistic approach that makes Simon Says such a trusted bereavement support service in Hampshire.

Skills

• Experience supporting adults in a counselling, listening, or other helping role (professional or voluntary).
• Excellent active listening and communication skills.
• Ability to explain emotionally sensitive information clearly and confidently.
• Compassion, empathy, and the ability to remain calm and supportive when families are newly bereaved.
• Emotional resilience and self-awareness.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the Simon Says volunteer team

Training

• Full induction training covering bereavement awareness, communication with families, safeguarding, and the structure of our support groups.
• Ongoing guidance and support from group leaders and the volunteer team.
• Opportunities for continued development through additional training or workshops related to grief support.

Commitment

• 4 hours, once a month on a weekend day

Grief can feel isolating—but a gentle conversation can help someone feel seen and less alone. By volunteering, you’ll support families take those first steps towards healing. This is a meaningful opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer in a supportive, community-focused role.