LAKEPORT, Calif. – As part of its ongoing efforts to provide quality care and services to the community, Hospice Services of Lake County is offering free volunteer training for adults who want to make a difference.

The non-medical training sessions provide new volunteers with knowledge and skills for visiting patients in hospice care and for offering bereavement support to the patient’s loved ones and family members, according to Hospice Services Development/Marketing Coordinator Janine Smith-Citron.

An introductory meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The introduction is followed by two days of training on Saturdays, March 18 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The initial meeting and trainings will take place at the Hospice offices, 1862 Parallel Drive in Lakeport.

All training materials and lunch on both Saturdays will be provided free of charge. Participants must be age 18 or older. To reserve space and obtain information, contact Terry Phelps at 707-263-6270, Extension 136, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Training is provided by guest speakers who are experts in their respective fields.

The volunteers-in-training will learn new skill sets and practical information to become successful hospice volunteers.

Patient support volunteers give non-medical support, companionship and practical help to hospice patients and offer respite to the caregivers.

Bereavement volunteers provide support to loved ones and grieving family members at camps and support groups.

Hospice Services of Lake County has additional opportunities for volunteering with the agency.

For more information, call 707-263-6222 or visit the organization’s Web site at www.lakecountyhospice.org .