How Accompanying the Bereaved Enriched My Own Life
People from all walks of life offer their time and energy to volunteer in various organisations and clubs. The Kilkenny Observer spoke to one such person who gives her time to The Kilkenny Bereavement Support group. This is her story.
“I had a happy life, nicely busy, but I was keen to work in a voluntary capacity. I won’t lie – it was partly for the “feel-good” factor. I knew that by doing voluntary work, my own life would be enriched. Then, I heard that Kilkenny Bereavement Support was looking for new volunteers, and I was immediately interested.
Having experienced the loss of people I loved, I knew the immense value of having good friends walk beside me on that lonely road of grief. The support from people who were simply good listeners was invaluable. Whether I felt sad or angry, they took me exactly as I was that day. I could talk to them knowing I wasn’t being judged – I wasn’t shocking them or wearing out their patience.
When I saw the advertisement for volunteers for KBS, I knew this was work I would value. I was particularly drawn to it because the role included comprehensive training in listening skills. The work of a volunteer is entirely about providing support through the act of listening as a person speaks about their loss.
The training itself was wonderful. Meeting up with other trainee volunteers brought great hours of learning and connection with the incredible spirit of the service. It left me feeling well-prepared to join the team and take on the important task of listening to those who come to us. Furthermore, we receive monthly supervision for ongoing support and guidance, and advice is always just a phone call away.
Since then, I have also completed an online refresher course. It was terrific and helped me refocus on the art of listening and the skills of accompanying people as they navigate life after a significant loss.
This voluntary work is a privilege. I have been involved for over four years now, and it is one of the best decisions I have made. Yes, it gives that feel-good factor of supporting a kind cause, but I could never have foreseen the wealth of personal enrichment that comes from sitting with the bereaved as they articulate their grief. It is an honour to be present with someone as they struggle to make sense of heartbreak.
Our meeting place is the tranquil Villa Maria. Whenever I leave the quiet meeting room and step into the convent garden – watching it change through the seasons behind its old stone wall – I always feel a strong sense of gratitude. I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet people at their loneliest, and quietly walk with them on their way.”
Team
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is currently recruiting volunteers to help us continue providing free, one-to-one bereavement support to people of all ages. If you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing grief, we want to hear from you.
Phone: 086 0670566 Email: director@kilkennybereavementsupport.com
Web: www.kilkennybereavementsupport.com
