CHANS Home Health & Hospice is offering a free training course for individuals interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. The Volunteer Training Program will begin on Sept. 7 and run for 10 consecutive weeks on Thursdays, from 4-7 p.m. Classes will be held in the conference room at CHANS Hospice located at 45 Baribeau Drive in Brunswick. A completed application and pre-training interview is required before being admitted to the program.

This free training prepares individuals to deal compassionately and sensitively with end-of-life issues in a volunteer capacity.Topics covered will include an introduction to the hospice philosophy, ethical issues, communication, spirituality, grief and loss, and other topics that facilitate the therapeutic relationship between the patient, family, and volunteer.

Once certified a hospice volunteer will be able to offer individualized support, through the CHANS Home Health & Hospice, to a person with a terminal illness, and their family, during the last phases of life. Volunteers serve as companions to the terminally ill and may be a supportive listener, run errands, and/or provide respite for caregivers. Volunteers may also be in contact with family and friends after a loved one has died in order to provide grief support. Volunteers are supported by the hospice volunteer coordinator, the hospice volunteer community, and continuing educational offerings.

For more information, or to register for the training, please call Margaret Zillioux, hospice volunteer coordinator at (207) 721-1271, or email mzillioux@midcoasthealth.com. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 25.