MERRIMACK – Home Health & Hospice Care is looking for people interested in volunteering their time to work in the hospice program with home and nursing home hospice clients who live in Southern New Hampshire and surrounding communities. Volunteers help patients and their families feel less alone during a difficult time. In a couple of hours a week, a volunteer can make a friendly visit, assist with light housework, shopping and errands, or provide respite so family members can take a break.

A 33-hour Volunteer Training Program begins 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, March 1, and continues weekly through May 10. The sessions will be held at Home Health & Hospice Care’s office, 7 Executive Park Drive in Merrimack. Individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Interviews will be scheduled prior to training.

Training sessions cover hospice philosophy, listening skills, pain and symptom management, spiritual and emotional issues, and grief and bereavement care. Training is free for volunteers. Individuals interested in taking Hospice training for personal or professional reasons may attend for a $150 fee.

An alternate evening training program is offered in the fall. For more information, visit www.hhhcvolunteers.org/volunteer, or call 557-2806 to schedule an interview.