LEWISTON — The Program for Grieving Children and Teens is announcing its next volunteer training for individuals interested in being part of the support team.

The five-session training will begin Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave. For individuals who are interested in working with the multicultural program, training will extend for two more sessions after the initial five.

The training is offered free and is designed to prepare interested participants in the art of volunteer work with grieving children and their families. The course explores a 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.

Children in the multicultural program have grieving needs that include traumatic loss and loss of home country or culture. The program serves fourth- and fifth-graders in two Lewiston schools. Sessions are held at the elementary schools during the day.

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.