Become an Understanding Your Bereavement Online Volunteer
Join our devoted team of UYBO volunteers facilitating online group sessions offering a safe and supportive space to bereaved people.
We know that thousands of people in need of bereavement support are waiting to access ongoing bereavement support. If you would like to know more about volunteering for this popular service, we would love to hear from you.
About the Understanding your Bereavement Online (UYBO) Service
The UYBO service is managed and delivered remotely, offering one-off bereavement support to clients via Zoom. The sessions are delivered by bereavement volunteers; the service runs alongside other Cruse services such as the National Helpline and Local Cruse Support Services.
The service offers bereaved people the opportunity to access support promptly, irrespective of the time of bereavement, geography or work/life commitments. By attending a session, a client can learn more about their bereavement and in doing so may not require further support
“I had always felt ill-equipped to help friends or colleagues who were bereaved, so when I was approaching retirement, I decided to do something about this and began my journey as a volunteer with Cruse. Helping people to understand their bereavement, to see that they are not alone in their grief and how they can support themselves and each other is hugely rewarding.”
We’re committed to protecting the wellbeing of our volunteers, if you have recently had a significant close bereavement, we kindly ask you to wait two years before applying to volunteer with us.
***We are not able to accept applications from Student Placements for UYBO Volunteer Roles***
For insurance purposes we can only accept applications from those living in the UK, your training must be completed whilst you are in the UK, and you can only provide support whilst you are in the UK. For example, if you are holidaying or residing abroad, you cannot attend training or provide support to Cruse clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hold online open days throughout the year for those who are interested in finding out more about the service.
Join us for an Open Day on Wednesday 28th May 2025 (2:00pm to 3:30pm or 6:00pm to 7:30pm) to learn more, talk to current UYBO volunteers and find out about our training programme and the support we offer volunteers. Please book your place here.
Yes, for insurance purposes, all volunteers are required to train and support client’s whist residing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Yes, all of the training and UYBO sessions are held online. We have volunteers for the service from right across the UK.
Due to the nature of the Bereavement Foundation training, each trainee would need to attend all six sessions.
As Understanding Your Bereavement is run as online sessions, a PC or Laptop and stable internet connection is required to volunteer with the UYBO service. A quiet and confidential space is also essential.