WILTON — The Program for Grieving Children & Teens is announcing its next 30-hour volunteer training for individuals interested in being part of the team for upcoming program sessions. Training begins Wednesday, Oct. 24.

The training schedule is Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. Classes will be held at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s office at 284 Main St., Suite 290.

“I chose to volunteer with the Grieving Children & Teens program because of my own experiences,” said Jeniffer Cooley of North Anson. “Because I am a mother, and because I can make a difference in the pain that children go through by simply being there for them. Signing up for the program was the best decision I have made in a long time, it has already changed my life.”

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.

The Program for Grieving Children & Teens provides non-therapeutic peer-to-peer support for 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. 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 and Wilton.

Due to the nature of the work, program candidates must participate in an interviewing process. Anyone interested in additional information, a training schedule or an application may contact the Volunteer Department at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1280.