Volunteer Training
New Denver Hospice depends entirely on the hard work and commitment of its volunteers. Hospice volunteers sustain the society’s good work by sitting at the bedside of the dying, companioning the residents of the Pavilion, helping with fund raising events, working in the office and sitting on the New Denver Hospice Board as a director.
The New Denver Hospice Society offers a free volunteer training once a year. This is a 30 hour certificate program usually offered over 2 consecutive weekends. It aligns with the competencies developed by the BC Hospice/Palliative Care Association for Hospice volunteers. There is no obligation, after the training, to sit at the bedside however one must complete the entire 4 day program if they choose to be a bedside volunteer. The content of the training is also beneficial for those caring for someone at the end of life at home.
Within the volunteer training we will review the concepts and history of hospice/palliative care. There will opportunity to exam your own feelings around death,
dying and bereavement. The dying process will be explained. How hospice volunteers can support the dying, and their loved ones will be discussed. The training explores grief, the grieving process and how to companion someone through their experience of
bereavement. We also discuss the importance of self-care. Here is what people have said about the hospice volunteer training:
“I have been a participant in two hospice volunteer trainings. The trainings are well-
researched and informative. I felt well prepared to be a hospice volunteer.”
Gabriel Sosienski – ND Hospice Board Member
“Being a hospice volunteer, has been one of the most meaningful of life’s experiences.”
Anonymous
Please join us for our next training: March 22, 23, 29 and 30, 2025