We know that grief following suicide is often silent, complex, and deeply personal. Over time, many people look for ways to connect, support others, and make meaning from their own experience. This National Volunteering Week, we are inviting those who feel ready to consider volunteering with HUGG and to help us realise our vision.
The Role of a Volunteer
Our volunteers help create a safe, supportive space where people can speak openly about their loss and feel understood in their grief.
If you would like to learn more about what this looks like in practice, you can explore what happens in a suicide bereavement support group.
We welcome volunteers who are:
- at least two years bereaved by suicide
- aged 21 or over
- compassionate, empathetic, and comfortable holding space for others
To help you decide if volunteering feels right for you, we have also developed a Volunteer Readiness Self-Assessment Sheet.
Understanding the Roles
If you are ready to use your lived experience of suicide loss to support others, HUGG offers two ways to get involved. Unlike clinical therapy, our focus is the unique power of peer support. We don’t ask you to be a counsellor; we ask you to be a compassionate connection to those who reach out.
Find the role that best suits your strengths:
Support Group Facilitator
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The Role: Working with another trained volunteer, you will facilitate a suicide bereavement support group, either in-person or online.
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The Impact: You provide a safe, non-judgmental space where people bereaved by suicide can find empathy and shared understanding.
Champion
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The Role: Represent HUGG at community and mental health events and fundraising events
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The Impact: By spreading the word about our services, you bridge the gap between those struggling and finding the support they need.
How We Support Our Volunteers
To ensure you thrive, we provide:
- Training & Development: Learn active listening skills, how to facilitate a support group safely, and access to a bereavement eLearning programme.
- Mentoring & Support: Receive ongoing guidance and encouragement from our Volunteer Manager throughout your volunteering journey.
- Self-Care & Wellbeing: Take part in dedicated self-care sessions with an external bereavement therapist to help support your own wellbeing.
Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers
We are so proud of our team! Here are some of our dedicated volunteers celebrating at the National Volunteer Ireland Awards, where HUGG was honored to win “Best Large Group” in December 2025. Their commitment and compassion are the reasons we can provide such vital support across Ireland. Their dedication ensures that no one has to navigate the isolation of suicide loss without the support of someone who truly understands.
Become a HUGG Volunteer this National Volunteering Week
If you are interested in volunteering, we invite you to complete our enquiry form. Once we receive your form, a member of our team will be in touch to chat through our volunteering opportunities and answer any questions you may have.