Grief is a natural response to loss. It is deeply personal and can have emotional, physical, and psychological effects that significantly interfere with daily functioning. In my work as a Grief Support Volunteer for Griefline, I regularly talk with individuals about grief.

I began volunteering in August 2024. Before supporting callers on the helpline, I was required to complete Griefline’s training program. The training includes self-paced, online modules, ranging from “Grief and Loss Fundamentals” to “Telephone Support Techniques”, and online workshops to demonstrate the necessary practical skills.

Volunteers are supported with access to online tools and resources as well as peer support, debriefing, counselling, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

As a Grief Support Volunteer, I have found supervisor debriefing sessions an invaluable part of my own self-care and learning. Debriefing allows me to reflect on difficult conversations, explore my emotions, and develop skills. It has helped me to build resilience and avoid compassion fatigue.

The role is challenging. I talk to people who are distressed, confused, and struggling with the intense and uncomfortable emotions of grief.

Many callers have experienced the death of family and friends, but we receive calls for many types of loss. People grieve the loss of pets, the loss of relationships, the loss of employment, the loss of health, or the loss of safety or security.

Sometimes their grief relates to an impending loss that hasn’t occurred yet. This is known as a “living loss”. It is often experienced by the family and friends of those with terminal illnesses or neurocognitive disorders such as dementia.

Unfortunately, many callers are alone in their loss. Due to personal circumstances, they don’t have a social support network they can turn to in their time of grief. They feel isolated and scared.

To support them, I show empathy, engage in active listening, and use basic counselling skills. I provide space for them to explore and express their grief without judgement. For many, the simple act of talking about their emotions can help them to begin to process the pain of their loss.

For those seeking coping strategies, I suggest maintaining a routine, regular exercise and physical activity, journalling, and reaching out to family and friends.

I often gently remind them that there is no “right” way to grieve. The process is not linear, and no two people will have the same experience of grief.

Healing takes time, and people need to allow themselves space to grieve. Grieving is not about “getting over it” or “moving on”; it’s about learning to live alongside the grief. Over time, and with self-reflection and support, it is possible to find meaning in loss.

To paraphrase Carl Rogers: When you can accept your grief, just as it is, then you can heal.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash