Macmillan Cancer Support

Margaret Greer, Programme Lead for Macmillan Cancer Support, talks about her experience after arranging two of our in-person group training sessions; 'Compassionate Conversations' and 'Pouring from an Empty Cup.'

"We sought out training from Cruse Scotland to increase our Improving the Cancer Journey team's understanding of grief and bereavement and personal wellbeing, recognising the importance of these sensitive in our work supporting people affected by cancer."

"Arranging the training with Cruse Scotland was seamless. Their team was highly responsive, attentive to our specific needs, and flexible in scheduling sessions that accommodated both in-person and online participation. The training itself was both insightful and engaging, creating a safe space for open discussion and reflection. The blend of professional expertise, practical strategies, and thoughtful facilitation allowed us to explore the complexities of grief, self-care, and compassionate communication. The sessions provided valuable tools to support both personal and professional toolkits."

"As a result of the training sessions, our team now feels more confident in approaching bereavement conversations. They have developed a deeper appreciation for the individuality of grief, recognising that each person’s experience is unique and must be respected. Our team is now better equipped to recognise subtle signs of loss, allowing clients to lead conversations and meeting them where they are emotionally."  

"The emphasis on self-care and compassion was particularly impactful. Many left with renewed motivation to prioritise personal wellbeing and listen more deeply, not only to clients but to themselves. Taking time to reflect after challenging appointments are examples of changes the team have implemented. These training sessions sparked positive changes in their approach and will continue to influence how they engage with clients. As a result, our team now feels significantly more confident and better informed about bereavement and grief. The training helped us recognise signs of loss that might otherwise go unnoticed and explore how grief can manifest throughout the cancer journey. We now have a deeper understanding of how attachment ties into grief and feel better equipped to engage in sensitive conversations with clients and their families."

"I would wholeheartedly recommend Cruse Scotland’s training to those looking to equip their teams with the skills and confidence to navigate bereavement conversations with empathy and respect. It’s been invaluable to us."

Learn more about the our training opportunities for individuals, groups and workplaces.