LEWISTON — The Program for Grieving Children & Teens has announced its next 35-hour volunteer training for individuals interested in being part of the support team, including a focus on the multicultural grief support program. Training begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, and includes four daytime sessions, on Jan. 3, 5, 10 and 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and one Saturday session on Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Classes will be held at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave.

The training is offered free of charge and is designed to prepare interested participants in the art of volunteer work with grieving children and their families. The course is comprehensive in scope, exploring 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.

Particular attention is given to working with immigrant and refugee children in the multicultural program. These children have grieving needs that include traumatic loss and loss of home country or culture. The multicultural program serves fourth- and fifth-graders in two Lewiston schools. Program sessions are held at the elementary schools during the daytime.

Trainees will also be prepared to participate as facilitators of the Program for Grieving Children & Teens, offered in the evening in Auburn and Wilton.

The Program for Grieving Children & Teens provides non-therapeutic peer-to-peer support for children and families who have lost a loved one to death. In group settings, children, along with their group facilitator, embark on their unique and individual journeys, exploring their grief through games, activities, art and other forms of self-expression.

Volunteer opportunities include facilitating groups for children and adults, interviewing families, community outreach and office support. 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 within the last year. Anyone interested in additional information, a training schedule or an application may contact the volunteer department at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412 or visit www.ahch.org.