LEWISTON – The Program for Grieving Children and Teens has announced that its next seven-session volunteer training will begin Monday, March 16, at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice office, Strawberry Avenue.

The training will include two Saturday sessions, March 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and five evening sessions, March 16, 18, 23, 25 and April 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The free training is designed to prepare interested participants in volunteer work with grieving children and their families. The course will explore a wide range of topics, including the understanding of grief and its stages, how individuals of varying ages process grief, the use of age appropriate activities within groups and the safe expression of anger and other emotions.

Co-sponsored by Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Franklin Community Health Network, the program provides non-therapeutic peer-to-peer support for families who have lost a loved one to death.

In group settings, children and their facilitator embark on individual journeys, exploring their grief through games, activities, art and other forms of self-expression.

Accompanying adults also meet during this time to support each other and discuss ways for supporting their families’ needs. Volunteer opportunities include facilitating groups for children or adults, greeting or interviewing families, community outreach and office support. Program sessions are held in Auburn, Farmington and Mexico.

Due to the nature of the work, program candidates must participate in an interviewing process and must not have suffered a loss in their own lives in the last year. Anyone interested in additional information, a training schedule or an application may contact the program at 777-7740, ext. 1460.