ROLE OUTLINE

The Together in Grief programme is for people who have experienced bereavement. The idea is to help people experiencing loss and grief to be physically active in a supportive environment with other people who are dealing with the enormity of bereavement.

We are looking for a number of Leaders to cover programmes which will take place across Hull from September 2021 to September 2022. We have funding for this period only but, depending on outcomes, we may seek to secure further funds to continue programmes if these are successful.

Walks will take place in the daytime as well as evenings. You do not need to be available for every week of the 10-week programme as we hope to recruit a team to ensure cover across all weeks. Ideally though, we would like Leaders to be able to attend at least 6 of the 10 weeks.

Prior to the start of the 10-week programmes, Leaders will need to familiarise themselves with the routes that will be used, therefore a two-week preparation phase is included thus making the commitment for a period of 12 weeks (although once in operation, attendance at all sessions is not necessary as per above).

It is made clear to participants that the facilitators of the walk programmes are not trained grief counsellors. The role is simply to listen, support and offer onward signposting if required. 

Specifics of the role:

Two Leaders will be assigned to each walking programme and together their role is to:

• Complete a register of participants at each session.
• Send a photograph of the register immediately after the session to the Programme Co-ordinator.
• Meet and greet every new participant using a meet and greet card, explaining the format of the session including a sensitive explanation of the “who are we remembering” feature.
• Assess the capabilities of the group to determine the best route options for the session (this will be either 1, 2 or 3 miles or with combination options of 1 & 2 miles).
• Conduct a group welcome – explain the plan for the session, any notices.
• Conduct checklist chat - either as a whole group or once divided into sub-groups.
• Conduct a gentle, walk-appropriate warm-up.
• Lead the walk. Use Fitmums and Friends principles of support (shepherding) to ensure all participants are appropriately supported and that no group members are on their own at the back.
• Utilise hand signals en-route and ensure everyone understands how these work.
• Help and support members to connect with each other where possible.
• Be clear about how volunteers can support a session, e.g. supporting a particular individual at the session, or supporting at the rear, etc.
• Conduct a gentle stretch and cooldown on return to base.
• Understand signposting options for anyone requiring more support than is available through this programme.
• Work with individual participants to identify onward support systems and complete end-of-programme letter.
• Carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
• Post photos/feedback on main Fitmums and Friends Facebook page on occasions throughout the programme (not required weekly) or share with Programme Co-ordinator to do this.
• Support the evaluation process by handing out forms and encouraging completion and return by participants.
• Identify potential cases studies and invite them to complete a case study form.

Welfare:

The Fitmums and Friends Welfare structure is essential to contribute to good practice within club settings, sessions and programmes to ensure the safety and enjoyment of members, volunteers, parents, coaches and officials. The Overarching Welfare Leads offer advice and support on any matters pertaining to welfare.