Becoming a counsellor with WBS cannot be easier. If you have a heart for people, attend a local Christian church, are over 18 years old, and have spare time. Why not give serious consideration to joining our bereavement counselling team?

We will provide in depth training on loss and bereavement, give you monthly support and ongoing training.

If you are interested in become a counsellor why not join us in our next training program.

For more information click on this flyer.

My name is Deborah and I am a counsellor for Woodside Bereavement Service, I understand that you would like to talk to me. This is how a conversation with a prospective client could start.

WBS has a constant stream of referrals and generally these are allocated to the counsellors at our monthly support group. It is very important that the counsellors meet together regularly to give each other support and allow us to discuss any problems with our supervisors. These support group meetings are an essential part of being a counsellor for WBS.

Once I have been allocated a client, I make contact with them as soon as possible and arrange where to meet. It could be at the client's home or it could be down at our centre in South Norwood. It is important that we meet somewhere where privacy in ensured.

The first meeting is very special. I need to make the client feel important and feel that they can talk to me. Bereavement is like a journey down a dark path hopefully towards light. It can raise all sorts or responses. It is important to create an environment where the client can talk about absolutely anything in complete confidence.

At the first meeting I will explain how WBS operates. Generally, initially I would offer a client three sessions of about one hour's duration. We would then look together to see if we need to continue working together. Sometimes I will have a client for a long time, sometimes, just a few sessions will put everything in perspective. We are all different and take a differing amount of time to come to terms with loss.

After my first session I will arrange a next appointment. The time between each client varies. I could see a client every two weeks or every month. It is important that if the client has to change the appointment that they ring the centre. A message is then passed on to me.

Everybody that I have talked to since I have been a member of WBS has been an enriching experience for me. I have learnt something new and feel privileged to walk this path of loss with them.

If joining our bereavement counselling team is not for you - then why not support us as a volunteer. We always need help in our fundraising, publicity and training departments. We are always on the the look out for new management committee members and currently need a volunteer with secretarial skills.

If you are over 18 years old, attend a local Christian church and would like to work with us, please give us a ring on 020 8662 1648.

WBS receives little financial backing from the local council and health authority, therefore, we rely heavily on gifts, donations and fundraising activities.

We value your support in helping us continue to serve the community around us.

So why not join our 'Friends' of WBS

For further information on 'Friends' of WBS please click here.