Finding Hope After Losing a Parent

A young person was 12 years old when their dad died of a heart attack, just two days before Christmas.

The impact of their dad’s death took a great toll on their mental health. They recall that both the event itself and the funeral were frightening experiences, and describe being in a very dark place.

After a few months, their mum discovered that Cruse Scotland could offer bereavement support.

At first, the young person was very nervous about attending bereavement support sessions. They felt that the reality of losing their dad had not yet sunk in.

However, with the support of their mum, combined with the skills and encouragement of a Cruse Scotland volunteer, they began to trust in the process.

They explain:

“Talking with my volunteer helped me realise that I was going to be okay. Something big and dark happened in my life, but I learnt that there would be light in my life again. There would be good days to come and I would have a future.

“Looking back, I never understood what grief was doing to me and talking with my volunteer helped me process everything.

“Cruse Scotland supported me at a time when no-one else could. Meeting with my volunteer was a safe space where I could share anything about what was going on in my life. I now appreciate how important that was.”

The young person met regularly with their volunteer for about a year initially. They later returned for a few further sessions and even now find comfort in knowing that support is available if they need it.

They went on to use their experience of bereavement to advocate for better mental health support for young people in schools. Their powerful writing was recognised with a national young journalism award.