Day in the life of Becca, Children's Bereavement Assistant at Dove House.
Hello my name is Becca.
Date started at Dove House: 9th October 2023
What attracted you to you join the Dove House team?
I previously supported the children’s bereavement groups as a volunteer whilst completing my Psychology degree at the University of Hull. We had been advised by the university to gain experience and supporting young people who have been bereaved really resonated with me, due to being bereaved young myself. So, I contacted the hospice and began volunteering with the groups, and then I was employed when a permanent job became available.
What was the first thing that struck you about Dove House when you came for the first time? Is that the same now or has it changed over the years?
The staff! There is a real network of support throughout the hospice and mutual respect between departments and amazing commitment to their roles within the hospice. I look forward everyday to making a difference and supporting young people through their bereavement.
What attracted you to you join the Dove House team?
I previously supported the children’s bereavement groups as a volunteer whilst completing my Psychology degree at the University of Hull. We had been advised by the university to gain experience and supporting young people who have been bereaved really resonated with me, due to being bereaved young myself. So, I contacted the hospice and began volunteering with the groups, and then I was employed when a permanent job became available.
What are the amazing moments that stand out for you in your day that make a difference to you, patients and your team?
Watching the children grow throughout the bereavement process and becoming more confident in talking about their loved ones in front of others. The feedback from parents/careers reaffirms that we are making a difference to the lives of the young people we support. I’ve had occasions where young people who we have previously supported have recognised us when we have been visiting schools and they have come over just to simply say hello.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day is quite varied, we spend most of our time supporting young people whether that be through our group sessions or one-to-one support both here at the hospice and in schools across Hull and East Yorkshire. I also spend a lot of time on phone calls with schools and parents providing updates and giving advice.
What do you think are the biggest achievements you have accomplished while working at Dove House?
I feel I have grown in confidence since I first began as a volunteer, and I am now able run the group sessions independently. I’ve also created a lot of data sheets to help with the running of the service and providing information.
Working at a hospice can have its emotional times when days/patients are harder than others. What gets you through these?
Having a supportive team that understands how hard and emotional the workload can become. In the future I hope this continues and for the service to grow and hopefully be able to support more young people through their bereavement, with hopes of also being able to support parents/ carers.