Lois’s partner died suddenly after an illness 19 years ago and she said that the experience had made her want to help others.
She later moved to Guernsey and has since trained as a counsellor, supporting those struggling with grief.
‘I did four years of training to become a qualified counsellor, and I made loads of friends along the way who are now doing lots of different things in the community,’ she said.
‘I have been volunteering for 10 years on and off and it has been such a privilege to be able to support people through what could be one of their hardest times.’
The Guernsey Bereavement Service offers counselling for people going through any type of grief, including from death, divorce, or major life transitions. Counsellors provide a safe, confidential and supportive space for clients to express their feelings, offering guidance on coping strategies.
‘Counselling is about meeting people where they are and empowering people – they do the hard work across several sessions,’ said Lois.
A natural people person, she has worked in public-facing roles for most of her career in retail.
‘I love people, and love getting to know people,’ she said.
‘The social side of it is very lovely and I feel very privileged to be able to do this.’
It is not just counselling that volunteers at the Guernsey Bereavement Service get involved with.
‘It could be three or four hours a week you do, it’s very varied, and it is not just the counselling – it could be helping out with events,’ said Lois.
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