Spiritual support training by Dorothy House

Dave Smith, Spiritual Support Lead at Dorothy House, and his team of multi-faith/no faith volunteers provide support to our patients, their families and loved ones from the point of a palliative diagnosis, through death and bereavement.

The Spiritual Support team are now offering free training sessions to members of the community.

Aims of the Spiritual Support Training

• explore what spirituality means to different people
• provide advice for end of life spiritual support work with patients and their families
• share experiences of providing spiritual support in different ways within the community

Who is the Spiritual Support Training for?

The training is appropriate for anyone in the community coming into contact with people at end of life, or going through bereavement – whether of a particular faith, multi-faith or no faith.

To date we have offered spiritual support training to funeral directors, crematorium staff, charity staff/volunteers and ministers.  The sessions are run monthly, or can be scheduled to meet the needs of the attendees. The training can be held online or face-to-face.

Trainee feedback

“The session affirmed my current professional practice and also highlighted areas where I feel I would benefit from further experience. There were some really helpful tips on language to employ, and this has encouraged me to explore this area further.” Course attendee, December 2022.

“Thank you so much for this training – I’m sure it will form an invaluable basis for my future learning.” Course attendee, December 2022.

Do you know of any organisations or individuals who might be interested in this FREE spiritual support training? It could be a religious leader, someone who works in a local organisation or charity, or local business dealing with people at end of life, in palliative care or during bereavement.

If you do, please do get in touch with spiritualsupport@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk.

For more information on training and education offered at Dorothy House please see our Education page.