Why become a bereavement support volunteer with Mountbatten Hampshire? Mamakhala's story

“One word would be wonderful,” Mamakhala, known as “Mama,” says of Mountbatten Hampshire. “Everybody is helpful, everybody is kind. Everybody’s supported.” She first joined as a Saturday café volunteer — “just a cup of tea and a kind word and a smile can change somebody’s day” — and, alongside her counselling studies, now volunteers with the bereavement team, supporting people to adjust to the death of their loved ones.

"Session by session, we start putting people back together, piece by piece.”

— Mamakhala Boocock.

Mama’s role is about offering listening without judgment and giving grief a safe space to be held. “I’ve realised the power of presence — really being with somebody,” she explains. “People come in with the jigsaw pieces of life everywhere. Session by session, we start putting them back together, piece by piece.”

She remembers a parent who hadn’t opened their wardrobe for nine months after their bereavement. “They started seeing the light… and chose a nice outfit. That was the beginning of their healing journey.” Another client told her, “You haven’t even got a clue what you’ve done.” “It absolutely touched me,” she says. “It humbled me.”

Bereavement volunteers free up specialist staff so more people can be supported sooner — while providing the kind of steady connection that changes days, and sometimes lives. You don’t need qualifications or a “big toolkit,” Mama stresses. “Bring yourself, bring that kindness that is already in us. Don’t be afraid.”

Bereavement volunteers free up specialist staff so more people can be supported sooner — and our caseload is growing. Can you help?

Training is provided, and you’re supported at every step with assessment notes, clear pathways, and regular supervision. “I value supervision — it’s a place to share my process, get feedback, and ideas on how to support people better. You’re trusted, and never alone.”

Mama’s time as a bereavement volunteer at Mountbatten Hampshire has given her a better understanding of grief and how to hold the challenges of life with compassion. “Being a bereavement counsellor has increased my empathy and my resilience. I’m learning to honour someone’s story without making it mine.”

Is bereavement volunteering with Mountbatten Hampshire for you? “Come and be part of this beautiful team,” Mama says. “I don’t think anybody will regret it.”

More people in Hampshire need the support of our bereavement team. Can you help?

Find out more and apply by clicking here.