Sandra

On Volunteers Week (1-7 June), Sandra shares what volunteering with Cruse Scotland has given her personally and what a typical day volunteering looks like.

What drew you to volunteer for Cruse Scotland?

I first heard about the charity through an ex-colleague who volunteered with Cruse Scotland outside of her day job.

It immediately felt like the fit I was looking for in a volunteering opportunity, and, having had my own personal experience of grief and being aware of the significant effect it can have, I loved the idea of being able to support others through this.

What has volunteering with Cruse Scotland given you personally?

After starting as a volunteer, I quickly realised I wanted to develop my skills further and started my university training to become a counsellor.

I was proud to have Cruse Scotland as my main placement during my training and am hugely grateful for the ongoing learning and support it continues to provide.

How has your understanding of grief and bereavement support evolved over the last decade?

Alongside an increase in general awareness of mental health issues, I would like to think there is more understanding that many people need extra support at particularly tough times in life, such as bereavement.

Although death is still a taboo subject for many, Cruse Scotland adapts and offers a range of services to try to meet the varying needs of individuals and groups.

How do you manage the emotional weight of hearing grief stories?

The supervision opportunities provided by Cruse Scotland are amazing and lift any weight I may carry from working with clients off my shoulders.

There is also always support available from staff members if needed and opportunities to get together with other volunteers, so I never feel alone.

I have also developed my own self-care practices, which include yoga classes and dog walks!

What is a typical day like as a Cruse Scotland volunteer?

My Tuesday mornings are dedicated to volunteering for Cruse Scotland. I do this from home over the telephone or video.

Now I am calling potential clients to assess their needs for support six months+ after a death, as well as offering Early Support sessions, which are dedicated to clients bereaved within the last six months.

One of the things I enjoy about volunteering with the charity is the opportunity to get involved with different support services.

Is there a particular conversation or connection with a client that has stayed with you?

I find it difficult to pick one, but I will always remember fondly my very first Cruse Scotland clients, whom I met for face-to-face sessions over 10 years ago now, and who, without knowing it, inspired me to continue my studies and volunteering.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering at Cruse Scotland?

I am often asked why I choose to volunteer for Cruse Scotland. My answer is that it is an amazing charity with a genuinely lovely and supportive group of staff and volunteers.

Although the subject matter can be tough for bereaved clients to talk about, being able to offer them the opportunity and environment in which to truly explore what they are experiencing at such a tough time is so important.

I find it a privilege to accompany each client as they take steps along their own unique grief journey.