Current Opportunities

We are looking for volunteers to support bereaved children and young people at our monthly support groups in Hampshire.  No previous experience is required – just empathy, patience and a willingness to learn.

The groups provides a safe and welcoming space where children and young people can spend time with others who have experienced the death of someone important.  Being with peers who understand what they’re going through can help them feel less alone and more able to express their thoughts and feelings.

Each session is themed around topics related to bereavement—such as anger, memories, fears, and worries. Volunteers will be involved in helping to plan and deliver activities that support these themes, including therapeutic crafts to help them tell their story, as they understand it, express their thoughts, feelings and emotions and learn some positive coping mechanisms.

The sessions include a mix of fun and meaningful activities, games, and conversation, giving children a chance to explore their emotions in a gentle and age-appropriate way. Volunteers play a key role in creating a supportive, engaging environment where grief is normalised, and children feel safe to share their stories

It is a time for families to spend time with others who have been through similar experiences.

We are looking for volunteers who can make a genuine impact by committing to 4 hours per month.

Monthly sessions allow for a meaningful impact without weekly time demands.

Join a friendly team of volunteers who care about helping others.

We are looking for volunteers with the following qualities:

• Comfortable hearing about grief and loss without becoming overwhelmed.
• A genuine ability to understand and share the feelings of others – sensitive to the emotional needs of grieving children and families.
• Able to remain calm and patient with children of all ages, allowing them to express themselves in their own time and way.
• Able to listen actively and non-judgementally.
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with children, young people, and adults.
• Open to supporting or leading creative, play-based, or therapeutic activities.
• Able to work well as part of a team of volunteers – reliable, punctual, and committed to attending sessions consistently.
• Previous experience supporting or working with children is helpful but not essential – training is provided.

Benefits

Volunteering experience shows initiative, compassion, and commitment.

This opportunity offers a number of meaningful and personal benefits.

• Make a difference – support bereaved children and young people during a critical time in their lives. Knowing you’ve helped a child feel less alone in their grief is profoundly rewarding.
• Be part of a supportive community – working with a committed team of volunteers and professionals
• Learn about grief and resilience and gain a deeper understanding of emotional wellbeing.
• Develop skills in active listening, child development, emotional support, and group facilitation.
• Develop empathy, patience, and confidence in handling sensitive situations.
• Grow in confidence, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
• Develop transferable skills in communication, active listening, teamwork, and emotional support.

Time Commitment

This role involves a commitment of 4 hours each month.

We run 10 sessions a year and ask that volunteers commit to at least eight of these.

Induction & Training

• No prior experience required – you’ll receive training and ongoing support.
• After a successful informal interview and completion of the appointment process, we hold in-person Induction Days.
• An Enhanced DBS check (Child Workforce) is required for this role, and all volunteers must complete safeguarding training through the NSPCC’s online platform.
  Simon Says will arrange and cover the cost of both.

Support bereaved families when they need it most.
Become a Family Support Volunteer with Simon Says Bereavement Support and help parents and carers feel heard, supported, and less alone.

Are you someone who listens with empathy and connects with people during life’s most difficult moments?

Could you be that reassuring presence for parents and carers navigating grief?

While children attend our monthly bereavement support groups in Basingstoke and Southampton, you’ll provide a warm welcome and a safe space for adults to talk, reflect, and feel understood.

What you’ll do
• Greet and support new and returning families.
• Offer 1:1 compassionate listening to those newly bereaved.
• Explain the children’s session activities and how they support grief and emotional wellbeing.
• Check in with families and signpost to other services where needed.
• Handle sensitive information confidentially and follow safeguarding procedures.

What you’ll bring
• Experience supporting adults (e.g., counselling, listening roles, or similar).
• Warmth, empathy, and strong communication skills.
• Confidence in speaking with families about grief and emotional support.
• Reliability and emotional resilience.

What we provide
• Full training in bereavement support and safeguarding
• Ongoing support from our staff and volunteer team
• The chance to make a real impact in your local community

Commitment
• 3 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.

Are you friendly, confident chatting to new people, and passionate about supporting children and young people who have been bereaved?

Simon Says Bereavement Support is looking for Community Engagement Volunteers to help raise awareness of our work across Hampshire. You’ll represent the charity at local events such as school wellbeing fairs, parent workshops, library sessions, community centre open days, and volunteer recruitment events.

What you’ll do

• Help set up and staff our stand at community events
• Chat to members of the public in a warm, approachable way
• Share information about how Simon Says supports bereaved children and families
• Hand out leaflets and help raise the charity’s profile

No presenting required – just enthusiasm, friendliness, and a willingness to talk to people.

You’ll be great for this role if you’re…

• Confident, approachable, and enjoy speaking with the public
• Passionate about the work of Simon Says
• Reliable and happy to represent the charity at occasional events

What we provide

• Full briefing and support
• All materials and resources for events
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in your local community

Could you lend a listening ear once a week?

We’re looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Helpline team, supporting adults who are reaching out on behalf of a bereaved child or young person.

Just being available one day a week, from home, can make a world of difference to a family navigating grief.

We’re not an emergency service, so you’ll have time to listen, understand, and offer thoughtful support – with the chance to follow up.

Full training is provided, and you’ll be part of a warm, supportive community.

If you’re empathetic, a good listener, and want to help families support their children, we’d love to hear from you.

Do you have a passion to help children, a knack for inspiring others, are able to build connections and think creatively about raising funds?

If so, you are just the person we need!

Come and join our volunteer team and use your people skills to help us fundraise.

What You’ll Be Doing – Key areas of involvement

• Supporting and helping plan exciting fundraising events and campaigns

• Building relationships with local businesses, community groups, and supporters in your area of Hampshire – developing connections you already have.

• Sharing fresh ideas to help us reach new audiences in your community – using your imagination

• Celebrating successes and seeing the difference your efforts make to the lives of children we support.

Skills, Qualities, and Experience Needed

• Experience in fundraising, and /or planning local community events

• Good communication and people skills

• Creative thinking

What You’ll Gain

• The joy of knowing you’re helping change lives

• Opportunities to develop new skills and boost your CV

• A friendly, supportive team who value your time and talents

• Flexible volunteering to fit around your life

Training and Support

Simon Says will provide:

• Full induction training covering bereavement awareness, communication with families, safeguarding, and the structure of our support groups.

• Ongoing guidance and support

Flexible – even a few hours per month can make a big difference.

Location:

Our office is in Romsey, but our events are held all over Hampshire.

Why This Role Matters

By volunteering just few hours a month, you make a lasting difference to families navigating one of life’s hardest challenges.

If you’re ready to turn your energy and ideas into real change, we’d love to hear from you.