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Well.............we need a mini 'team' of 2 volunteers at every meeting for the monthly meetings to continue next year.......

The first volunteer is responsible for opening/managing/overseeing the evening - this person tries to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to talk, avoids giving advice/making judgements, manages the group - e.g. creating a "safe space" where people feel welcome and relaxed, helps people stay focussed on talking about the losses, confidentiality, inclusive-ness, listening to one person at a time, respect, making sure it finishes on time.

The second person is there to support and assist - they bring the milk, answer the door, informally welcome new people, fill the flasks with boiling water (or ask someone else to help with that) and take them to the room with tea/coffee/milk etc. They will also suggest a break part-way through the meeting, at an appropriate time and will be the "time-keeper"/prompting the lead person when there is only 10mins left; help to manage the group, as above.

I just thought that might be helpful for people to know this........we all try to support one another to keep the meetings going...... Some people only ever feel comfortable in the 2nd role - some people do that a few times and then (with support) they give the 1st role a go........... It is a real privilege to meet new parents and it can be really helpful for understanding/coping with your own grief too. We all try to support one another so no-one feels under pressure or over-loaded........that is essential for any group of (generous) volunteers...........