Community Education & Training
Because serious illness and death becomes a part of most people’s lives at some point or another, we feel that it is important to reach out to the community and provide education about death, dying, grief, and other related topics. The Mission Hospice Society aims to meet this need through a number of programs and resources.
- Hospice Volunteer Training
- Other Training Courses
- Speakers
- Inservice & Training Workshops
- Hospice in the Schools
Hospice Volunteer Training
All Hospice volunteers who work with patients, families and bereaved individuals are required to complete the Hospice Volunteer Training course. This 30-hour course focuses on listening, communication skills, death and dying, self-awareness, cultural considerations and spirituality. The course is a uniquely intensive and interactive experience.
The next training course begins Spring 2012 at Mission Hospice Society Center. View a course outline (PDF). The course outline for Fall 2012 is also available (PDF).
Hospice Volunteer Training Schedule
- Thursday Evenings 6:30-9:30 p.m. and 2 Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- course fee: $75 (seniors and students $50)
- subsidies are available
For more information, call 604-826-2235 or email cboyes@missionhospice.bc.ca.
Other Training Courses
Christine Morrison Hospice Orientation: Orientation for volunteers who have completed the Hospice Volunteer Training course and wish to volunteer in the Christine Morrison Hospice is offered regularly as needed.
Volunteer Mentoring: New volunteers are paired with established volunteers for a certain length of time.
Bereavement Training: This course is offered periodically as the need arises. We train established volunteers to facilitate grief groups and provide specialized one-to-one bereavement support. Volunteers must co-facilitate two or three groups with a trained facilitator as post-course training.
Ongoing Training and Support: Monthly volunteer support meetings and various workshops and seminars are offered for continuing education for our volunteers.
Speakers
Speakers are available to come and speak to any community organization or group on topics related to Hospice concerns. Call the office and speak to the Executive Director for more information at 604-826-2235 or jcooper@missionhospicesociety.bc.ca.
Our comprehensive lending library is available to any member of the community. Call 604-826-2235 to set up a time to come and visit our library.
Inservice & Training Workshops
Hospice personel will offer training for staff and volunteers of companies, organizations and community groups on hospice-related topics. Contact us at jcooper@missionhospicesociety.bc.ca for more information.
Hospice in the Schools
In partnership with School District 75, the Mission Hospice Society has built a program to support children and teens who are grieving the loss or anticipated loss of someone significant in their lives.
Components of the program include:
Grief Kits: A grief support library was placed in every Mission school in 2001. Funds from McDonald’s McHappy Days were used to create and update the Grief Kits. An important part of the program is to raise awareness, educate and inform school staff on how to use these resources, and to consult with them about what kind of additional resources will best serve their needs.