Volunteer Spotlight: Liz Ibberson, Bereavement Visitor


My name is Liz Ibberson and I am a bereavement visitor at Compton Hospice. As a bereavement visitor, we are there to support relatives who have lost loved ones, whether it be a parent, grandparent or spouse, child or close relative, as a result of an incurable illness.


Bereavement visitors are not counsellors; we are trained listeners, and all of the support we offer is strictly confidential. We explain that we can’t take the pain way, but that we are there to listen. Usually the first time you see someone it is an opportunity for them to tell you their story. They tell you about their loved one, their illness and their death. You let them talk, and express how they are feeling. They may tell you about certain problems they feel they cannot come to terms with, issues they may be having with other family members, or how they are struggling to cope. We are there to listen rather than give advice. Then, gradually over time, people realise that they have an opportunity to open up and talk freely about things that sometimes they feel they can’t talk to anyone else about. They can talk without being interrupted and without others offering their opinion and being judgemental.


We can see clients for varying amounts of time. Some people may only wish to see you two or three times, others may need more long term support. Initially I will usually see a client once a week or fortnight. Then gradually this may reduce to once a month, or once every other month, and then eventually they will no longer need our support. How often we visit depends entirely on the client and their needs.


As you spend time with these clients, and they invite you into their home, you get to know about them and their lives, and I always think that is such a great privilege.


I am also a bereavement group leader, which I love doing. It is a wonderful opportunity for people who are bereaved to come together and meet with each other. It is particularly rewarding to see the groups gel and help each other. The comments we get back from the group sessions are very encouraging and many say how comforting it is to know that they are not alone and how valuable it is to have been introduced to others who ‘are in the same boat’.


One of the things I have found over the years, is that I have never come across a client who has had a bad word to say about Compton Hospice and the care it offers to patients and their families. I think that the bereavement service perfectly demonstrates the circle of caring. If someone’s loved one has been cared for by Compton


Compton Hospice would not be able to continue


to serve the community without the support and dedication of volunteers. Without the commitment and professionalism of these individuals, our organisation could not function.


If you would like to support Compton Hospice as a volunteer please visit


www.compton-hospice.org.uk/volunteers/ or call 0845 2255 497


to find out about our current vacancies.


nurses in their home, or if they have come into the inpatient unit, it is wonderful to be able to keep that continuity and contact with a relative after their loved one has died. It’s so very special.


Being a bereavement visitor isn’t easy by any means, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. As volunteers, we want to give something back, and we try to make a difference.


Telephone: 0845 2255 497 8


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20