WILTON — Individuals interested in making a lasting difference in the lives of others are encouraged to join Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice to become Bereavement Volunteers for grieving loved ones. A 15-hour training class will begin Thursday, Oct. 6. The class will be held on Monday and Thursday mornings at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice Office, 284 Maine St., Suite 290.

The Bereavement Volunteer training course prepares volunteers to provide grief support, including one-to-one visits and telephone support, for loved ones and family members in the year following the death of a hospice patient.

The training will be facilitated by Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Bereavement Services Supervisor, Jim Douglas. The course curriculum is comprehensive in scope, exploring grief through group discussions, readings and individual and group activities. Training topics include hospice philosophy, understanding the issues surrounding grief, recognizing normal and complicated grief, listening skills and companioning.

“It is a sad fact that many who suffer the death of a loved one don’t want to burden others with their feelings of grief. Bereavement Volunteers and grief groups make it possible for grieving family and friends of our hospice patients to comfortably share their feelings with trained volunteers who understand their needs,” said Jim Douglas.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice also will offer a Grief Group Facilitator 12-hour training beginning Oct. 31 through Nov. 10. Grief group facilitators help create a safe environment while offering grief support and education in a small group setting.

For more information or to register for either one or both trainings, contact the Volunteer Department at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412. For more information on Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, visit www.AHCH.org.