August 24, 2026
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging compassionate individuals to volunteer with its bereavement support call service, helping families during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Bereavement support call volunteers make sensitive and timely telephone calls to the next of kin of patients who have died in the Trust’s acute and community hospitals.
The calls offer an opportunity to express condolences, provide a listening ear and signpost people to available bereavement support services.
Leona Laverty, the Northern Trust’s Bereavement Coordinator, explains:
“The nature of death and bereavement can be complex and deeply personal. Many families benefit greatly from a simple call offering empathy and support.
“If you are a kind, compassionate person with good listening skills, your presence on the other end of the phone could make a real difference to someone at one of the most difficult times in their life.
“This role is both rewarding and impactful. You’ll not only provide vital comfort, but also become part of a close volunteer network. All bereavement support call volunteers receive training to prepare them for this sensitive and important role ensuring they feel confident and supported in every call they make.
“Ongoing support is available through the bereavement support call service coordinator and the wider volunteer team, fostering a strong sense of community, connection, and shared purpose.
“Whether you’re hoping to give back to your community, gain insight into a caring role, or simply wish to help others when they need it most, we invite you to join this valued service.”
Anyone interested in becoming a bereavement support call volunteer can request an application pack by emailing volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 4 September 2026.
Suitability conversations will take place by telephone on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Successful applicants will be required to attend online training on Tuesday 15 September 2026 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Please note that access to a laptop or PC and a mobile phone, together with confidence in using IT systems, is essential for this role.