Thank you for your interest in becoming a Grief Support Services Volunteer. We are so grateful you have taken the time to inquire about joining us. Each month, our Grief Support Services team serves over 100 suicide loss survivors by facilitating our weekly SafePlace meetings and Survivor to Survivor personal connections. Our volunteers play an integral part in the grief journey of those who have lost someone to suicide. It is because of them that we are able to support those that we do.
In order to become a facilitator, you must have the ability to empathize and be comfortable with others sharing their stories. Our facilitators are responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all suicide loss survivors to grieve and we ask that volunteers attend at least 4 SafePlace meetings.
We will begin reviewing applications that have fulfilled the 4 SafePlace meeting attendance requirement and filled out the Application Form below in the Spring.
Other requirements are as follows:
- Because of the nature of this type of loss, we ask that all facilitators be suicide loss survivors. This allows those that are grieving to connect and feel like they are not alone.
- We ask volunteers to make a two-year commitment to facilitating SafePlace & Survivor to Survivor Meetings with a minimum of 4 hours a month. This commitment helps create safety and continuity for those grieving.
- If you have experienced a death within the last year, please contact us to talk more before applying as training can be an intense experience for those who are grieving a recent loss.
- As part of our evaluation process, we ask that all applicants be seen by a mental health professional to ensure that you are able hold space for those that are grieving. This is to ensure your emotional wellbeing.
- In order to become a facilitator, you will need to attend all hours of the training sessions.
- As part of your training, there will be an apprenticeship. You will be asked to attend 4 SafePlace meetings where you will be announced as a facilitator in training having different roles in each meeting.
- Completion of the training is not a guarantee that you will be accepted as a facilitator.
- You will need to complete a background check and provide 3 references.
Inquire to Volunteer to Provide Grief Support
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Our Services
Samaritans provides lifesaving suicide prevention services throughout Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.
