LEWISTON — Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice has graduated 15 hospice volunteers from a 27-hour training.

Volunteers support terminally ill patients and their families in a variety of ways – by visiting and providing companionship, giving a caregiver a break for several hours, doing errands or helping with special projects. Volunteers can support patients in their homes, in long-term care facilities and at the AHCH Hospice House in Auburn.

Recent graduates include Wanda Berry of Lewiston, Carol Bouvier of Sabattus, Zephyr Bouvier of Sabattus, Connie Chretien of Lewiston, Stephanie Curran of New Gloucester, Joanna Desormiers of Lewiston, Michael Eng of Portland, Lou Giard of Turner, Regine Langen of Auburn, Carol Lepage of Greene, Angie Pellerin of Lewiston, Kristen Simas of Bridgton, Margery Stalch of North Yarmouth, Jeanne Varney of Auburn and Kathi Young of Auburn.

Through speakers and special activities, the class curriculum explores a range of topics including the hospice philosophy, the needs of the terminally ill and their families, communication and listening skills, the impact of illness on the family, spirituality and grief and bereavement.

A hospice volunteer training class will begin Monday, Jan. 23, at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice’s Lewiston Office. The class will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

For additional information, contact Volunteer Services at 795-9580 or 1-800-482-7412. For more information on services, visit www.AHCH.org.