Befriender Training

In September I applied to FSID to become a 'Befriender', I got to thinking that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have the support of family and friends.  Over the five and half years since we lost Alexander I can honestly say that without them I might not be quite as sane as I like to think.
They are there for me at a moments notice allowing me to unload and cry if I need too, there is nothing like a friendly shoulder to cry on.

I want to be able to offer that to other families who reach out to FSID asking for help.  I raise money and yes it's hard work but it's not the same as giving someone emotional support but I am a little apprehensive!  What if I say the wrong thing, what if I'm not the right person for the job, What if I fail?

On Saturday I am taking a jaunt to York for FSID's befriender training where I will be given the tools to offer support to anyone that asks for it, be that on the telephone or Face to face.  I'm not there to be a counsellor or answer any medical questions I am there to listen and encourage the caller to open up about how they are feeling, no one quite understands like someone who has been through it.  They are asking for a few hours of my time a month which is nothing to me but everything to a newly bereaved parent.

So wish me luck I am nervous about it no doubt but I know that people listening to me (or reading my story) has been a huge help and I want to offer the same support to someone who needs it.  I'll let you know how I get on next week. 

http://fsid.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=1079  Here is a link to the befriender information on FSID's Website 

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