An outreach program for bereavement support group leaders: Facilitating best practice in peer support

Introduction: An extensive body of research highlights the benefits of "empathetic attunement" in a peer support context. This knowledge informs the practice of The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCF). To assist group leaders in maintaining safe and supportive group environments, TCF has made a commitment to providing its group leaders with strong continuing support in carrying out their challenging role. Objectives: This paper discusses the measures established by TCF to provide outreach support for leaders of TCF's open-ended support groups, and indirectly the members who attend TCF groups. Approach: TCF has established an outreach program, which involves (over three consecutive years): (a) TCF's volunteer coordinator and training facilitators attending one support group meeting for each of group, (b) undertaking a one-on-one meeting with leaders for each support group, and (c) coordinating a group leader retreat weekend. Practice Implications: Outreach support is a central measure in ensuring peer support organisations satisfy a duty of care to both members and volunteer group leaders. Conclusions: The conditions for "empathetic attunement" are not merely created by the group leaders working at the coal-face, but also directly influenced by the level of support the organisation provides its volunteers.

9230 An outreach program (278kb pdf)