Northern Trust seeks new bereavement comfort call volunteers

Could you offer comfort and a listening ear when someone is grieving?

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is seeking compassionate, empathetic individuals to join its bereavement comfort call volunteer team.

This meaningful role involves making sensitive, timely phone calls to the next of kin of patients who have died in our acute and community hospitals. Volunteers are there to listen, express condolences, and help guide people to bereavement support services.

Leona Laverty, the Northern Trust’s Bereavement Coordinator, explains: “The nature of death and bereavement can be complex and deeply personal. Many families benefit greatly from a simple call offering empathy and support.

“If you are a kind, compassionate person with good listening skills, your presence on the other end of the phone could make a real difference to someone at one of the most difficult times in their life.

“This role is both rewarding and impactful. You’ll not only provide vital comfort, but also become part of a close volunteer network. All bereavement comfort call volunteers receive training to prepare them for this sensitive and important role ensuring they feel confident and supported in every call they make.  Ongoing support is available through the bereavement comfort call coordinator and the wider volunteer team, fostering a strong sense of community, connection, and shared purpose.

“Whether you’re hoping to give back to your community, gain insight into a caring role, or simply wish to help others when they need it most, we invite you to join this valued service.”

If you would like to find out more or to request an application pack email volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net.

The closing date for applications is 12noon on Friday, August 8 2025.

Suitability conversations will take place on Tuesday, August 12 2025 via telephone.

Successful applicants will need to attend online training on Tuesday, August 19 2025 from 7.30pm-8.30pm.

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Please note, that access to a laptop or PC and a mobile phone, as well as confidence using IT, are essential in this role.