Growing Through Grief is an Anglican Social Service providing "Seasons for Growth®", an educational programme of peer support groups for children and young people experiencing change, loss, and grief.
This may be due to death of a loved one, separation of their parents, imprisonment, or other changes in their life.
We also provide programmes for those affected by someone they love being seriously ill.
As a volunteer Companion (Programme Facilitator), you will guide small peer groups through a structured curriculum. The programme uses the imagery of the four seasons to help participants validate their feelings, process major life disruptions (such as a death, parental separation, or moving schools), and develop healthy, sustainable coping mechanisms. [1, 2]
Time Commitments & Training Requirements
Volunteer Companions must meet specific time and training thresholds to ensure safe and effective delivery: [1]
- Initial Training: 2-day face-to-face programme (12 to 14 hours total). [1]
- Child Protection: 3-hour mandatory e-learning course on child protection fundamentals.
- Onboarding Steps: Completion of an application form, interview, reference checks, and police vetting. [1]
- Weekly Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week during the school term. This covers the 1-hour session, travel, material preparation, and room setup/pack down. [1]
- Programme Duration: Group sessions run sequentially for 9 weeks. [1]
- Service Expectation: Commitment to facilitate a minimum of two 9-week programmes per year in an ongoing capacity.
- Mentorship & Progression: Trainees must successfully co-facilitate two full programmes alongside an experienced Co-Companion before leading a group independently. [1]
Operating Regions
The programme is active across multiple communities within the wide geographical boundaries of the Waiapu Diocese: [1, 2]
- Hawke's Bay: Hastings & Napier, Central Hawke's Bay.
- Bay of Plenty: Tauranga-Te Puke, Whakatāne, Rotorua, Taupō.
- Eastland / Tairāwhiti: Wairoa, Gisborne district. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
If you are interested in applying or want to learn more about upcoming intake dates, you can fill out an expression of interest directly via the Anglican Care Waiapu Volunteer Portal.
The type of person we are looking for (is):
This role focuses on supporting children and teenagers navigating loss and change.
Core Role Expectations
- Target Audience: Supporting young people dealing with grief.
- Key Traits: Empathy, maturity, reliability, and responsibility.
- Essential Skills: Active listening and strong conversational English.
- Personal Wellbeing: High emotional resilience and self-care awareness.
- Team Dynamics: Working collaboratively in a team environment.
- Development: Commitment to continuous ongoing learning.
Application Process
- Pre-selection: Full formal application process.
- Interview: Mandatory interview before final selection.
- Logistics: Personal transport and a driving licence are preferred.
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OPENING #:
1533
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