Gracie Parker

Last year I volunteered over the summer holidays assisting the Family and Bereavement Practitioner in hosting group sessions for young children who had recently lost a close family member.

I enjoyed the experience and it was really rewarding knowing I was helping the children.

My main duties included:

• Preparing the room and supplies for the sessions
• Supervising the children - ensuring they were all involved
• Handing out refreshments
• Ensuring the safe handover of children to parents
• Tidying up after the events

I completed my one week work experience at St Oswald's Hospice helping the Family and Bereavement Practitioner.

My main tasks involved:

• Shadowing the Family and Bereavement Practitioner - including attending a team meeting with the full bereavement team
• Supervising and entertaining the young children while the Parents were in with the Practitioner
• Organising the play equipment in the room
• Tidying up after each session