RM015 Certificate in Holding Space: Supporting People Through Loss and Grief

Course description

Loss and grief can affect every part of a person’s life, including their emotions, relationships, identity, sense of safety and connection to others. For workers in community services, counselling, mental health, aged care, disability, health and support roles, knowing how to respond with care and confidence is essential.

This course develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to recognise and respond to people experiencing loss, grief and bereavement. Learners will explore different grief responses, the impact of loss across the lifespan, communication strategies, referral pathways, cultural considerations, professional boundaries and the importance of self-care when supporting others through grief.

The course supports learners to provide compassionate, person-centred care while recognising when additional support may be required. It is especially relevant for workers who may support clients, families, carers or community members during periods of death, separation, change, trauma, illness, ageing, relationship breakdown or significant life transition.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Recognise common responses to loss, grief and bereavement.
• Identify the emotional, physical, social and cultural impacts of grief.
• Communicate with empathy, respect and sensitivity.
• Provide person-centred support that respects individual grieving styles.
• Recognise when grief may require referral to specialist support.
• Use appropriate grief and bereavement support strategies.
• Maintain professional boundaries when supporting people through loss.
• Respond safely to signs of distress, risk or complex grief.
• Understand the importance of culture, spirituality, family and community in grieving.
• Reflect on their own values, reactions and support needs when working with grief.
• Use self-care strategies to manage the emotional impact of support work.
• Review the support provided and identify opportunities for improvement.