Lunch & Learn: How to Train New Volunteers for On-Scene and Delayed Responses

Brett Peppe, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, BC-TMH Traumatic Loss Coalition with Rutgers UBHC will present and discuss how to train on-scene and delayed response LOSS Team volunteers. This session will explore key elements for building effective volunteer training programs, including:

• Ten essential components to incorporate when training new volunteers,

• A side-by-side comparison of relevant trainings and certifications that can enhance volunteer preparedness,

• An introduction to Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Companioning model—an approach that equips volunteers to provide compassionate, long-term support to the bereaved,

• An overview of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and how its Core Actions can be applied to support suicide loss survivors in the immediate aftermath of a death.

Attendees will leave with practical tools and frameworks to strengthen both initial and ongoing volunteer development.