About Volunteer Grief Mentoring
Once the initial shock of the tragedy subsides, it is important for the grieving to find the support of others who have experienced a similar loss years earlier. Those who have lost loved ones in the past have a unique perspective of hope and serve as role models for those just beginning their journey through grief.
The ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor Program assists families and friends of loved ones lost in air disasters by providing a convenient and accessible volunteer telephone and email support network. This network brings together people who have experienced similar tragic losses. Volunteer Grief Mentors help those affected air disasters by providing firsthand insights on what to expect in the days, months, and years to come.
ACCESS partners mothers with mothers, orphans with orphans, survivors with survivors, etc. The bereaved gain the courage to survive from a source they can relate to. Being able to identify with their Mentors helps them to feel connected and that their feelings are "normal."
Each Volunteer Grief Mentor relays three basic concepts to the person seeking support:
1. He/she is not alone.
2. Reactions and feelings toward different situations are not abnormal, irrational or crazy.
3. There is a reliable structure in place that will provide a listening ear and resources to help cope with the grief.
How Grief Mentoring Works
1. Individual requests help through the Toll-Free Helpline or email.
2. ACCESS reviews the caller's information and contacts an appropriate Volunteer Grief Mentor.
3. The Grief Mentor initiates contact with the person calling for help via phone or email.
4. This communication continues on an as-needed basis.
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