Bereavement Café Volunteer - Swaffham Library

Get InVOLved Norfolk; Swaffham; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local nonprofit organization is seeking a volunteer to assist at a Bereavement Café in Swaffham. This role involves welcoming visitors, providing support, and creating an inviting atmosphere during sessions held weekly on Fridays. Volunteers will help facilitate conversations and may assist with refreshments. Ideal candidates should have a sensitive manner and good listening skills. Reimbursement of costs will be provided.

Benefits

Reimbursement of costs

Qualifications

• Able to attend the library on a weekly basis.
• Eager to support others in rebuilding social connections.

Responsibilities

• Welcome participants to the café and make them feel comfortable.
• Help with queries and prepare cups of tea when possible.
• Create a friendly space for discussions.

Skills

Sensitive manner

Supportive nature

Good listening skills

Job description

Norfolk Library and Information Service is nationally recognised as being one of the best library services in the country. We're an integral part of the public service offer in Norfolk. Our vision is for everyone in Norfolk to use their inspirational, safe and welcoming libraries. Our volunteers support and add value to our library services. We have roles to suit all needs and we welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Organisation role · 1–2 hrs/Week · Starting from 9 Jan 2026

The Pightle, Swaffham PE37 7DF, UK

Summary

We are looking for a volunteer to help with our Bereavement Café. Sessions take place on Fridays from 2.00-3.00pm.

Detailed description

Bereavement is something that can affect a person at any stage of their life. Norfolk Library and Information Service have set up a series of regular ‘Bereavement cafes’ which will create a space for people who have been bereaved to come together.

The focus is not on offering bereavement counselling as there are many excellent services which already offer in-depth support. The aim of a bereavement café is to provide a friendly space where customers can sit and talk and find new connections with others; who they know will have also experienced the death of someone close to them. There is no right or wrong topic of conversation. People may choose to talk about the weather, gardening or what they have been reading. If they wish to talk more openly about the person they are missing, that is also fine.

The role of the volunteer will be to welcome people to the space and make them feel comfortable. At present customers are asked to bring their own drinks but once we are able to reintroduce the provision of a hot drink, volunteers may also help with preparing cups of tea or coffee.

Volunteers will be provided with details of local organisations who can help with counselling or more bespoke support if an attendee feels this is something they would like to access.

A Bereavement café will meet on a regular basis, normally weekly. Volunteers will be asked to give an hour of their time to support people attending the sessions to get the most from them. Volunteers will welcome people to the group and explain the aims of the sessions. They will help with queries and when possible with preparing cups of tea. The volunteer will be a link between the participants at the sessions and the staff members in the library.

Volunteer responsibilities

• Have a sensitive manner
• Be keen to support others to rebuild social connections they may have lost
• Have good listening skills
• Be able to attend the library on a weekly basis

What we will provide to volunteers

💸 Reimbursement of costs