Triggering (Grieving): Volunteering

[Everglow.]

Up until early last year I had been volunteering for three years with a charity doing visits for one of their clients. Just before the first lockdown he passed away, and I had a really hard time coping with that. As a result I decided not to continue volunteering because I didnt feel ready to get to know a new client and the support and communication I had from the charity was not good. I heard from his relative before I heard from anyone at the charity, and they only informed me months later when I tried to contact them to see if they had updated their records. We were in a pandemic and obviously things were tough but I struggled with having no support or contact from them at the time.

Anyway, I had an email from somebody the other day asking if I'd be interested in some remote volunteering and I've decided to talk to them about it and possibly give it a go if it fits around work. Theres a new person in charge by the looks of it as I dont recognise her name, so I dont want to hold grudges or be put off by something that's already happened. I loved my volunteering and I'd love to help more, but does anyone have some advice for how to keep a neutral mind about this? I'm in a much better place mentally now than I was last year but I dont want it to end up taking a toll on me somehow.

I hope this is the right forum! Feel free to be it if not.

[¯|_(ツ)_|¯]

I am so sorry to hear about your past experience and the passing of the client. Maybe you can remind yourself that a new person in charge means there is a fresh start! This person may be better at her job and be better at giving support to you when you need than the other person was, and she may be better at keeping you informed and keeping records. New people means new beginnings!

[Dawn.]

I am sorry to hear about your past experiences, but hopefully this new person in charge will help you?

Hey, I read this yesterday and I didn't know how to reply. I agree with Dez, a new person is in charge of the charity now and this means it'll be a fresh start with the way it's run! If you're really concerned, perhaps you can sit down with this new person and have a discussion with them on your previous experience and how you were left without support the last time you volunteered there.