News and Blogs
Read the latest news, events and updates from Cruse Scotland – plus blogs written by bereavement experts that may offer hope, support or insight for you or others who are grieving.
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It's OK to Be Sad When It Rains
Lee House has written a book called 'It's OK to Be Sad When It Rains' which blends poetry, stories, intimidate reflections, and gentle guidance through the five stages of grief.
Lee is donating some of the proceeds from the book to Cruse Scotland. Below, he shares his experiences of grief and his inspiration for writing the book.
Finding Space to Grieve: The Story Behind Whale Fall
When her father died suddenly and supporting her mother going through cancer treatment, Bruna Longo, found little time or space to grieve.
In response, she began exploring death, grief and mourning through reading and writing. That personal journey eventually became Whale Fall — a piece that uses her experience of loss to open up a wider conversation about death, grief and how we live with mortality.
Catherine's story: "I was surviving. Now I'm finally living."
Catherine's daughter Ellie died aged only three. She shares her story of grief, love and survival.
Friendship, Grief and Finding Hope: Inside Uncorked
We spoke to writer and director Holly, alongside cast members Mirren and Meera, about the inspiration behind the production, the importance of lived experience in shaping the work, and what they hope audiences will take away from the story.
When Father's Day Is Complicated: Grieving a Complex Relationship
If your father has died and you had a complex relationship with him, approaching Father’s Day can feel like navigating unfamiliar, difficult terrain. Here are some suggestions to help you care for yourself during this time.
Coping With Grief on Father’s Day
It is entirely normal to feel sadness, anger, or even a pang of jealousy as Father’s Day approaches and arrives. If you are dreading the day, you are not alone. Here are some steps you can take to help you cope with grief during this time.
National Lottery Backs Groundbreaking Scottish Bereavement Service
Cruse Scotland, Scotland’s leading bereavement charity, has been awarded £181,658 over four years from the National Lottery Community Fund for an early bereavement support service for people affected by sudden and traumatic bereavement.
In the Silence: Men and Grief
Cruse Scotland Director of Client Services, Nicola Reed, looks at the hidden side of men's mental health and how bereavement affects mental health.
Men, Mental Health and Grief
Cruse Scotland's Helpline Co-Ordinator, Daryl MacDonald, shares the importance of men having access to environments where they can talk openly about their mental health without fear of judgement.
Grief - Taking Action for Wellbeing
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026) invites us to focus on taking Action to look after our mental health – small, meaningful steps we can take for ourselves and for others around us.
Compassionate Steps for Coping with Grief and Stress
Coping with both stress and grief simultaneously can feel exhausting and emotionally draining.
Here are some small, compassionate steps that may help you find your footing during this difficult time.
Navigating Mother's Day After the Death of a Child
Mother's Day arrives with bouquets, heartfelt messages, and joy — yet for mothers who have lost a child, it can be among the most difficult and heartbreaking days to endure.
Coping with Grief on Mother’s Day
Mother's Day can be a deeply challenging time for those who are grieving.
The death of your mother, stepmother, grandmother, or a child, can see the weeks leading up to this day—and the day itself—can feel overwhelming with emotion.
Finding Hope in the Gloomiest Month
Les's wife Fiona sadly passed away in January 2019. Les has shared the impact of losing Fiona has had on him and why he decided to set up a support group called 'Suddenly Single' in Orkney and how it has helped him cope with his grief.
Bereavement Shouldn’t be a Second Punishment
Douglas Creighton, Cruse Scotland Board Member and Facilitating Chaplain at HMP Edinburgh, shares his perspective on bereavement support in prisons during Prisoners' Week.
Registrations are open for Kiltwalk 2026!
Scotland’s favourite charity walk is back! The Kiltwalk will return to Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and you can sign up for FREE when you walk in support of Cruse Scotland.
Get help with funeral costs
If you get certain tax credits or benefits you can get help to pay for a loved one's funeral.
Pregnancy and Baby Loss Resources
This is a list we will keep adding to as resources come to our attention. We hope you find comfort in other people's stories - as well as further information, advice and support.
12 tips for easing anxiety
Here are some simple and practical tips on how to cope with anxiety, especially when it is combined with grief.
World Suicide Prevention Day
"It may come as a surprise when you are grieving if your thoughts turn to suicide." Read a reassuring blog from Cruse Scotland Volunteer Counsellor, Pamela Muir.
Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service
New service supporting sudden and traumatic bereavement
The Colour of Grief: Sasha's Story
After her father, Ivan, died unexpectedly in 2022, Glasgow-based artist Sasha Shalmina found that the brief moments of peace in her grief journey could be explored through making art. In this article, Sasha speaks about her practice and how creating artwork has helped her connect with her father's memory and artistic legacy.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lorna
Next on our Volunteers' Week spotlight, Practice Placement student Lorna reflects on her time volunteering with us.
Volunteer Spotlight: Denise
This week we are highlighting the amazing volunteers who make our bereavement support services possible. Denise joined Cruse Scotland as practice placement student, and is now a fully qualified counsellor. In this short interview, Denise speaks about her experience volunteering with us.
How can we Demystify Death?
North Volunteer Elizabeth shares a thought-provoking and insightful blog on how we can accept death, dying and bereavement in our everyday lives. This year, Demystifying Death Week takes place from Monday 5 May until Sunday 11 of May.
Roses & Jazz - A Grief Tale by Helpline Volunteer Zosia
After losing her mother, Helpline Volunteer Zosia found solace in the medium of analogue photography and poetry. This project 'Roses & Jazz - A Grief Tale' charts a personal journey through grief and memory. As Zosia began to take photos of her surroundings and write accompanying poems, the camera became a navigation tool that helped her find a way through the first two years of loss.
Finding friendship through bereavement support
Three friends who were brought together online through our free grief support service, have reunited in person to say thanks to the team and to Scotmid Funerals who provided the funding to make it possible.
In the Counselling Room with 'Wendy'
This article from Nicola Reed, our Director of Client Services, discusses the key themes of Wendy's - a recent client - story, and offers support and advice for anyone who is struggling with grief or identifies with any of her thoughts, feelings or experiences.
That first Christmas without them
Former counselling client, Wendy, shares her experience of the first Christmas and New Year following the death of both parents, at the same time as trying to be a mum to her daughter.
Christmas Appeal Toolkit
Free downloads to help you have fun, spread the word about our services, raise funds, and more.
Tips for coping with grief and anxiety at Christmas
Christmas can be a time of heightened emotion, grief and anxiety for those who have been bereaved. These tips may help you to cope better through the festive period.
Tips for supporting a bereaved child at Christmas
Christmas can be the most exciting time of year for young people, but it can also be a time when loss is felt more sharply. Our tips for parents and carers supporting grieving children may help.
Trans Day of Remembrance: Kyle's Blog
We acknowledge the complex challenges that face the trans community as we remember the lives of trans folk gone too soon. Helpline Manager Kyle McFadden-Young reflects on the importance of this day.
Book Review: David Kessler's 'Finding Meaning' workbook
Volunteer Lucy Colquhoun reviews David Kessler's new workbook written to accompany his best-selling 2019 book 'Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief'.
How can we build hope for grieving children and young people?
It's Children's Grief Awareness Week and Volunteer Lindsay Gardner shares important guidance on how we can build hope for the grieving children and young people in our lives.
'Broken Wing' by Lucy (Helpline Volunteer)
Lucy lives in Scottish Borders and is a foodie who loves dogs, running and books. When Lucy isn't volunteering as a helpline listener, she also enjoys writing, the following short story, 'Broken Wing' is a lyrical piece about grief.
Financial support available for parents affected by baby loss
If you or someone you know has lost their baby recently, financial help is available from Social Security Scotland. Read this article to find out if you're eligible.
Baby Loss Awareness Week
We recognise the profound difficulty of the death of a baby. From 9-15 October, we will be signposting various support services and how to access them.
Thank you to HoodieHut
Cruse Scotland highly recommends HoodieHut for printed T-shirts and hoodies.
Volunteering with the charity I work for!
Nicola Reed, Director of Client Services at Cruse Scotland, shares a blog on why she also donates her time and skills outside of her '9 to 5' to our charity.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) Ann Hunter, Suicide Bereavement Project Coordinator, reflects on how we can together change the narrative on Suicide.
Moira's Story
Moira reached out to Cruse Scotland after losing her daughter and was connected with Ros, Counselling Volunteer. Moira shares her moving story in this blog article.
Remembering D-Day 80 years on
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, we share a blog by a Cruse Scotland volunteer, Audrey, who had a memorable encounter with veterans.
Skydive for Cruse Scotland
The ultimate challenge that you'll never forget - raise vital funds for Cruse Scotland by flying through the clouds from over 10,000ft at 125mph!
Words by Elena Lorente Guerrero
As part of our #JournallingThroughGrief campaign, writer and Cruse Scotland Volunteer Elena shares a powerful message about the written word, and how it helps us reflect on grief and loss.
Jen's Journey from Client to Volunteer
In this moving blog post, Jen our volunteer, opens up about losing her parents and raising her daughter. Jen's story covers the journey from reaching out to our support services, to volunteering with us.
A Helpline volunteer's experience on the growth of this vital service
Iain has volunteered with Cruse Scotland for the best part of two decades and over this time he has seen a lot of growth and change, particularly with our Free National Bereavement Helpline where he continues to volunteer. In this blog, Iain shares his journey and how the Helpline has expanded over the years.
Losing a Partner
In acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day and the stark reminders all around for those who are grieving their partner, Cruse Scotland Director of Client Services, Nicola Reed, offers some understanding and words of comfort.
Practical support guide
This helpful guide provides you with clarity and some immediate answers to the practical and legal duties, from obtaining a death certificate, registering a death, arranging a funeral, digital property, and more.
"My wee boy is back" - Thorin's story
Ten year old Thorin and his mum, Diana, launch our Christmas Appeal by sharing the difference Cruse Scotland made to their lives thanks to the support from Children and Young Person Bereavement specialist, Annamarie.
Celebrating Christmas after loss - Tips for parents and carers
Christmas can be a time when loss is felt particularly acutely and when the absence of the loved person is felt more strongly than in the everyday run of life. In this article, Jayne Paulson, Children and Young Person Supporter, shares some ideas that may help those supporting a bereaved child this Christmas.
Running in memory of my mum
“It’s such a comfort to me knowing that charities like Cruse Scotland exist. I wish I knew about their bereavement support for Young People when I was 14" - Read Laura's blog and why she ran her first Half Marathon this year.
"Cruse Scotland helped me through my childhood."
"How do you tell an 8 and 11 year old that they will never see their dad again?”
Read the blog from mum, Tracy, and her children, Caitlin and Cameron, that shares how Cruse Scotland was there to support them after their dad died during the festive break.
Play our Lottery
Buy a ticket for £1 and you could win up to £25,000 at the same time as making a BIG difference to children, young people and adults struggling with their grief.
Transgender Day of Remembrance - 20 November
We're here if you're struggling with grief and need to talk. This article also shares information and tips on how to be an ally, as well as some of the challenges we have faced when working with clients who identify as trans.
Lewis' inspiring efforts to offer hope to others
"If someone was thinking about taking on a running challenge for Cruse Scotland, I’d say JUST DO IT! The feeling of knowing that money is going to help people who are going through some of the worst times of their life overrides the pain of the early morning long runs, 10 times over!”
Suicide prevention support
Support is available locally and nationally, in many different ways - here are just a number of organisations that you, or someone you know, can reach out to for additional help.
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on 10 September, and invites everyone to show their support for suicide prevention efforts, to reflect, and to remember those lost to suicide and those bereaved by suicide.
149km in a month!
Tina and Lewis, and their four legged friend Bailey, took on an epic 149km month long challenge to raise funds for Cruse Scotland in memory of their friend Galen.
Volunteers' Week Blog: Angie
Bereavement Counsellor, Angie Toppan, talks about the path that brought her to Cruse Scotland.
Volunteers' Week Blog: Lara
Lara shares her personal experience of grief and why she now volunteers as a Bereavement Counsellor with Cruse Scotland.
Volunteers' Week Blog: Jayne
Jayne is a Children and Young Person Supporter who gives her time, skills and experience to bring specialist tailored advice and support depending on the age and stage of grief the child is at.
102 miles run and over £6,000 raised
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival took place over the last weekend in May and we're so grateful to have our largest team of Cruse Scotland runners to date, across four distances.
Free Suicide Bereavement Support for Workplaces
Cruse Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free bereavement support for workplaces affected by suicide.
Free online course on grief launched for youth workers
In partnership with No Knives, Better Lives we have developed a course on supporting young people experiencing grief and bereavement.
Finding hope through fitness
From Half Marathons to HYROX Functional Fitness competitions, find out how Douglas found his new passions and why it may just inspire you to get physical too.
Mothering Sunday after ‘losing’ a child
"As a Mother you will keep the memories and the essence of that beloved being in your heart forever and you can never lose that!" - Cruse Scotland volunteer counsellor, Lilian McDade, shares a blog on how she keeps the memories of her son alive on Mother's Day, and all year round.
Helplines Awareness Day
Cruse Scotland is delighted to be involved in the first ever Helplines Awareness Day - a great opportunity for us to celebrate the amazing work of our Free National Bereavement Helpline and the incredible team behind this vital service.
Thanking our 'Helpline Heroes.'
Helpline Manager Kyle shares a blog giving thanks to the incredible team behind the Cruse Scotland National Bereavement Helpline.
Cruse Scotland probably, and quite literally, saved my life.
"To feel alone especially at Christmas with your thoughts and feelings is not something that anyone should have to struggle with - so there is a way forward and Cruse Scotland helped me to deal with something that I truly believe probably, and quite literally, saved my life."
Fiona's blog - Our first ever Christmas day Helpline caller
"If they hadn’t answered my call on that difficult day, I know that I would not have gone on from strength to strength."
How Christmas has forever changed now for Holly
"I didn’t see the point of celebrating when it felt like my heart was constantly breaking."
Holly shares how Cruse Scotland has helped her to cope following the death of her Grandad.
No one should struggle alone
Across Scotland, 300,000 bereaved children, young people and adults are facing their first Christmas without a loved one. Many will need additional support to cope. No one should struggle alone.
Bereavement Counsellor Ewan shares his experience of grief at Christmas.
"I did not forget the help that Cruse Scotland gave and in my own journey of studying Counselling I took the opportunity of becoming a volunteer."
Andrea suffered Delayed Bereavement Reaction before turning to Cruse Scotland
"I felt so under pressure in the first Christmas to keep everything the way it had been before. Such a pressure, but at the time I didn’t grasp it. I had a wee child to think about and John’s family. I couldn’t afford to ‘indulge’ my grief. This is how I felt."
Coping with grief and anxiety at Christmas
Christmas can be a time of heightened emotion, grief and anxiety for those who have been bereaved. In this article, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Graham Stevenson, offers advice about coping with anxiety during the festive period, especially when it is combined with grief.
Funerals, Feelings and Expectations
Funerals come in all shapes and sizes, in her latest blog, Mo Szulejewska encourages us all to be prepared for our feelings ahead of a funeral.
A Nation Mourns
A nation mourns. But why? And what is that all about? Nicola Reed, Cruse Scotland's Head of Client Services explains.
Why am I feeling this way?
As a nation mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth ll, we give some advice on how to manage your grief.
New Chief Executive Officer
Cruse Scotland announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer.
Cruse Scotland volunteer publishes debut book
Bereaved Glasgow mum and Cruse Scotland volunteer has written a book in memory of her baby daughter to help others cope with adversity.
The sky's the limit
Katie Mackay really has gone ‘above and beyond’ in her efforts to raise thousands of pounds - as well as much needed awareness - for suicide prevention and bereavement support charities, by climbing 30 Munros in memory of her brother, Calum.
Running in memory of my mum
Alex from Dundee has signed up to the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow this October and shares more about her reasons for taking on this fundraising challenge.
Lewis Leap and Cruse Scotland
Working together to develop support for bereaved families after a traumatic loss.
Margaret's blog: the death of my husband during lockdown
Margaret tells us about her experience losing her husband during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 and how Cruse Scotland helped her cope with his death.
Why do we need to 'Demystify' Death?
This week is Demystifying Death week in Scotland. Rebecca Patterson, Director of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief – and one of Cruse Scotland’s Board Members – explains what the week is about.
What is Stress - and How Can You Manage it?
When we face changes and challenges in life, feeling stressed out is natural. Stress is the body’s normal response to physical or emotional tension. In this article, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Saboohi Gill, explains what stress is and how you can manage it.
A Day in the Life of a Cruse Scotland Counsellor
Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor, Lilian, shares her approach to counselling and how she prepares for each session.
Facing a New Year Alone
January can be a really hard time for people who have lost someone close in the previous year. In addition, it’s unsurprising that significant losses from previous years can also play a strong part in your thoughts at this time. In this article, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Graham Stevenson, outlines feelings that may arise as you look to the new year ahead.
Complicated Grief
You may have heard the term ‘complicated grief’ and wondered if what you’re experiencing fits with its definition. In this blog post, Cruse Scotland Training Manager, Daryl Cuthbert, explains what complicated grief is, how it differs from ‘normal’ grief and how you can get support.
The Complexity of Grief After an Alcohol-Related Death
For Alcohol Awareness Week, Nicola Reed explores the complexities of grieving for a loved one who died from an alcohol-related cause.
Child Bereavement - A Volunteer's Story
Having suffered multiple bereavements at a very young age, volunteer Audrey Holligan found her calling as a children and young people's supporter. Here she tells her story, how it has shaped her career, and how helping others has ultimately helped her heal from her own trauma.
Remembrance Day: Lessons from Older Generations
For Remembrance Day 2021, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Audrey Holligan, shares a moving encounter with war veterans when she represented our Step-by-Step groups at a Legion d'Honneur service.
November - A Season Of Remembering
As the nights draw in and falling leaves remind us of nature's lifecycle, November brings a number of opportunities for us to remember loved ones we've lost.
Why did Losing my Pumpkin Feel like Losing my Baby Again?
Last year, Danielle shared her own story of miscarriage on the Cruse Scotland blog to help others going through a similar experience. For Baby Loss Awareness Week 2021, she reflects on how the simple act of growing, and losing, a pumpkin triggered feelings similar to her grief after miscarriage.
Supporting a Friend After Baby Loss
After a friend suffers the trauma of miscarriage, it can be hard to know what to do or say. In this article, Cruse Scotland Area Manager, Nicola Reed, offers advice about how to support someone grieving for their baby.
The Silence of Miscarriage
Nicola Reed, Cruse Scotland’s Area Manager for the North and East, explores the silences enveloping miscarriage and the complex feelings that parents, grandparents, siblings and friends may experience.
Men’s Experience of Miscarriage
In this article, Danielle Cooper-Lowden, a Cruse Scotland Volunteer and graduate of the MSc Counselling course from Abertay, Dundee, discusses the subject of her Masters project: fathers’ experience of child loss through miscarriage and stillbirth.
The Impact of Transitions and How to Cope with Them
Transitions in life can cause emotional disruption, even if they bring about positive changes. The death of a loved one inevitably causes major transitions, in terms of one’s role, identity, meaning and lifestyle. In this article, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Saboohi Gill, explores the psychological impacts of transitions and offers tips on how to cope with life’s challenges and changes.
Delayed Grief
Cruse Scotland volunteer, Lilian McDade, reflects on her own experience of delayed grief and encourages others to seek support – even if grief surfaces decades after a bereavement.
Being a Bereaved Parent
Cruse Scotland volunteer, Lilian McDade, lost her 21-year-old son 19 years ago. In this blog article, she recounts her story and how she felt in the days, weeks, months and years after her son’s tragic death.
Journal Writing Through Grief
Cruse Scotland volunteer, Mo Szulejewska, has been keeping a journal for years and found writing particularly helpful when grieving the deaths of her parents. In this article, Mo describes the benefits of journal writing and offers tips to help you get started.
Letter Writing: Continuing Conversations
Cruse Scotland volunteer, Mo Szulejewska, describes how letter writing can help to continue a relationship with a loved one who has died.
Poetry Writing Through Grief
Writing poetry can be a therapeutic activity to express your emotions and remember your loved one. In this article, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Lilian McDade shares some of her own poetry and explains how it has helped her during times of grief.
Coping with Cancer during Coronavirus
Today, on World Cancer Day, we share a personal story of a colleague who has lived through this experience. We thank her for offering her reflections, and her suggestions for how you can help people coping with cancer at this time.
Helping Children & Young People Through Bereavement
In this blog post, Cruse Scotland volunteer, Audrey Holligan, describes how children and young people may experience grief, and how adults around them can help them cope.
Baby Loss Awareness: Danielle's Story
Originally written for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2020, one of our volunteer counsellors, Danielle, shares her own story of miscarriage to help us all open up about this difficult but sadly far-too-common experience.