Become a Grief Encounter Volunteer

As a non-government funded charity, we rely on the generosity of our donors and volunteers to help us provide support to as many bereaved children, young people and their families as we can, for as long as they need it. In this new role, and as part of our network of volunteers, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference, whether it’s for minutes, hours, days, or even months.

If you’re passionate about supporting our cause and want to help us make a positive impact on bereaved children and young people’s futures, we encourage you to apply to become a Grief Encounter Volunteer today.

See our wide range of volunteer opportunities below.

If you are interested in applying for any of the below roles, please contact Yvonne on yvonne.shield@griefencounter.org.uk

Bereavement Support Worker Admin Volunteer - London & Bristol

As a Volunteer Bereavement Support Administrator, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the efficient operation of our bereavement support services. Your contributions, for example through entering data on our record management system, taking initial calls or making appointments on behalf of the team, will ensure that administrative tasks are completed effectively, allowing our team to focus on providing compassionate care to individuals coping with loss and grief.

This volunteer role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting the administrative needs of our bereavement support program.

As part of our commitment to you, we offer: - An assigned contact for support when on-shift - Regular group supervision - Remote working

We ask our volunteers to commit to at least one shift per week of 4 hours (for a min. of one year).

Apply now

Therapist Volunteer - London & Bristol

As a volunteer Therapist you will provide an important safe place for our children and young people to explore and move forward in their grief journey. Offering either one to one or group therapy to our children and young people who have experienced a bereavement. This role will involve seeing our children and young people in school, in our office or online and working closely with our team. You will also be responsible for maintaining confidential records in line with Data Protection and company policy, using our client management system. Experience of working with children and young people in a counselling role is essential. This is a crucial role in supporting our families on their grief journey and to building good grief coping strategies for the future.

Min requirement: further details on application

Apply Now

Volunteer Calendar

We are also looking for volunteers to help with one off events and please contact Yvonne for further details.

Month 2025	Volunteer activity	Number of volunteers and commitment	Location
Spring/Summer	Gardening	Up to 6 volunteers 4 hours	Bristol, 27 Lilymead Avenue, BS4 2BY
Specific dates TBC	House maintenance Painting, simple floor laying	4 volunteers 4 hours	Bristol, 27 Lilymead Avenue, BS4 2BY
August	Picnic in the Park family event (date TBC) Support with event	Up to 5 volunteers 3 hours	Central London
September/October (date tbc)	Celebrity football match Selling raffle tickets	4 volunteers 3 hours	London
October	Sunday 12 October Cheer point Royal Parks Half Marathon Cheering on runners	5 volunteers 1 hour	London
November	Friday 21 November Forever Night Support with event	3 volunteers 4 hours	London
Monthly	Packing Grief Relief kits	4 volunteers 1-2 hours	Mill Hill, NW7 4ST
All year round	Bereavement Support Line Volunteer	4 volunteers 1 hour a week, a year commitment	Remote

Event Volunteer

There are three types of events, you might wish to volunteer for all three categories or one in particular.

Clinical: Events are focused on our children and young people, and families that we are supporting. Example events include, but are not limited to: Forever Night; Residential Weekend; Go Ape; Fishing Days. (DBS Checks will be carried out).

Fundraising Volunteer: You may be involved at any stage of the process of planning and attending an event. You will be a vital member of our team. Example events include but are not limited to: Golf Days; Gala Dinner; Comedy Night

Treks and Challenges: Events are focused on generating income through sponsorship. Example challenges include but are not limited to: Skydives; London to Brighton Cycle; London Marathon. To allow the smooth running of events within Treks and Challenges, we need assistance with Cheer Point, Event Drivers, and Goodie Bag Packing.

We ask that volunteers are available for at least a year on ad hoc basis.

Apply Now

Resources Distribution Volunteer

As a Volunteer within our Resource department, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the distribution of resources within our organisation. Your responsibilities may include inventory management, procurement, distribution coordination, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support our programs and initiatives. This volunteer role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to optimizing resource utilization to benefit our community.

Min requirement: ad hoc monthly sessions for at least a year
Apply Now

Gardener or handyman for our Bristol hub

As a volunteer gardener you will be able to show off your green fingers for the benefit of our users and their families by maintaining the gardens of our base in Bristol. And if you also have handyman skills that would be a bonus but not essential

We would ideally like for you to offer a couple of hours every week
Apply Now

“My mum died when I was 11 and my family and I had no support. When I found out about Grief Encounter I knew instantly that I had to get involved. I wanted to contribute and work in a way that would really make a difference. I love helping set up workshops, attending their events as an extra pair of hands, co-ordinating other volunteers and, my favourite project of all, coordinating the Grief Encounter Children’s Choir. Volunteering has also given me the push to commit to professional therapist training. My journey has been everything I hoped it would be and more.”

Renu Dewan Volunteer Coordinator