Coping with the intensity of child bereavement work
A qualitative study exploring volunteers' support needs
Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study explored how six volunteers working at a residential weekend intervention for bereaved children cope with the demands of their role. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analyses confirmed that supporting bereaved people, especially children, can be intense and emotionally draining so it is essential that there are solid support networks and good self-care mechanisms available to volunteers. The study identified the need for organisations to take these findings into account during recruitment and training of volunteers and to better support them in their role to ensure longevity.
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