Denise

It was during Denise's time as a student counsellor in April 2024, that she felt drawn to providing support to those grieving the loss of a loved one, as part of her placement. She says, "Working with grief and loss is an area that I felt drawn to personally. I was just so impressed with their dedication to the work they do and their thorough and supportive onboarding process that I knew I had made the right decision to apply."

Since joining, Denise felt connected to the organisation, in both her local area team as well as the wider organisation as a whole. "The regular contact and training opportunities keep us all connected, and although I work online from home with my clients, I don't feel disadvantaged or excluded from the team that sees each other more regularly. The support and encouragement offered are invaluable, and how the organisation operates works so well in supporting not only their clients but those that volunteer with them too." 

At Cruse Scotland, we recognise that people lead busy lives, and offering our volunteers flexibility in working hours has always been essential. Denise says, "I am offered the freedom to work in the best way I can with my clients independently, but with the added security of a compassionate and supportive team behind me. Everyone I have met through the Cruse Scotland network has been so very welcoming and passionate about the work they do."

Denise has achieved great things on her journey with Cruse Scotland in just over a year, we are so grateful for her dedication and support. Reflecting on her time, and the power of human resilience in the face of grief, Denise says, "Volunteering with Cruse Scotland has been such a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. The training and networking opportunities offered by Cruse Scotland have allowed me to expand my knowledge of working with grief and loss immeasurably. Working with people to explore their unique experience of loss can be challenging, but I have yet to come across a person that is not up to the challenge. This has reinforced my belief in people having the ability to tap into an inner strength and show resilience as they adjust to the new life without their loved one."