CALAIS – Down East Hospice is looking for people who can work as volunteers for the terminally ill, the grieving and their families.

The 30-hour training program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on five consecutive Fridays, beginning April 26.

Three classes will be held in Dennysville and one each in Calais and Machias.

“People are often surprised to learn that hospice volunteers find their work to be anything but depressing,” said Barbara Smith, office manager for Down East Hospice.

“In fact, volunteers say that in their work they usually receive more than they give. Providing hospice assistance to those in need is extremely rewarding and meaningful work, and as so many volunteers tell us, a real privilege,” she said.

Trained hospice volunteers may be called upon to provide nonmedical care and support to terminally ill people in their homes, in hospitals or in nursing homes. They may include companionship, listening, emotional support, respite care, and occasional help with errands and transportation if possible. Volunteers who choose to assist bereaved people may offer one-on-one support or assist in leading local grief support group meetings.

For information, call Down East Hospice Director Barbara Barnett at 726-5087. Preregistration and an informal interview are required, and a registration donation fee of $20 is requested to help defray expenses.