Grief is a journey no one wants to walk—but when they must, no one should have to walk it alone. That’s where volunteers come in. Whether it’s offering a warm smile, a listening ear, or a few quiet moments of shared understanding, volunteers bring light into the darkest places.
If you’ve ever felt a tug on your heart to help those who are hurting but didn’t know where to begin, this post is for you. Grief support volunteering isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up. And the good news? There are so many ways to get involved—each one meaningful in its own way.
1. Start with Empathy, Not Expertise
You don’t need to be a counselor or a grief expert to volunteer in this space. What grieving individuals often need most is someone who’s simply willing to be with them. Just showing up with compassion and a willingness to listen can be deeply healing.
If you’ve experienced a loss yourself, your journey may equip you with empathy and understanding—but even if you haven’t, your presence can still be powerful.
2. Explore Different Ways to Volunteer
Here are some practical ways you can get involved in grief support:
- Support Groups: Volunteer to help facilitate or assist at peer-led grief support meetings. Just helping set up the room, offering refreshments, or being available to talk after can mean a lot.
- Phone and Text Support: Many organizations need volunteers to follow up with grieving individuals, check in after key dates, or simply offer a safe space to talk.
- Hospital and Funeral Home Outreach: Some volunteers offer initial support to families after a loss—delivering care boxes, offering resources, or just being a calming presence.
- Creative Contributions: Are you crafty, artistic, or organized? Volunteers create clothing items, prepare event materials, or even manage social media and newsletters.
- Event and Fundraiser Help: From remembrance walks to educational workshops, events often need volunteers to plan, greet guests, or help behind the scenes.
3. Be Consistent and Respectful
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and every person processes loss differently. One of the most meaningful things you can do is show up consistently and without judgment. Don’t try to fix things—just be present.
Also, remember confidentiality and sensitivity are key. The stories shared with you are sacred. Respecting them is part of what builds trust and makes the space feel safe.
4. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting others through grief can be emotional. Make sure you also have support—whether through your organization’s volunteer program, your own circle, or a professional counselor. Your well-being matters, and caring for yourself allows you to keep showing up for others.
5. Find the Right Organization for You
Look for local nonprofits, hospices, hospitals, or faith-based organizations offering grief support. Share Parents of Utah is non-denominational. Reach out and ask how you can help. Many will offer training or orientation sessions for new volunteers.
Not sure where to start? Think about what kinds of people or moments you feel drawn to—newly bereaved parents, children who’ve lost a sibling, making sure there are events for grieving parents, or crafting something for that little one. There’s a place for every heart.
You Can Make a Difference—Yes, You
Volunteering in grief support doesn’t require perfection—it just requires presence. When you offer your time to someone in grief, you remind them that they are not alone. You help carry the weight of their pain, even just for a moment. That’s not just volunteering—that’s creating real, lasting change.
Whether you have an hour a week or a few days a year, your compassion can be a catalyst for healing.
Ready to take the first step?
Reach out at sputah.org/volunteer. The grieving community needs hearts like yours—and every act of kindness matters more than you know.