Charity marks Volunteers Week

Cruse Scotland, the nation’s bereavement charity which provides support to anyone going through

the pain of loss, is only able to fully function thanks to its loyal and highly trained volunteers.

Now to mark Volunteers Week 2016 (June 1-12), the charity has paid a warm tribute to its dedicated army of volunteers, praising their selfless efforts in supporting others.

The very nature of the work Cruse Scotland volunteers undertake can be highly sensitive and

emotionally challenging.

However, their commitment means more than 4000 Scots people in Scotland every year are

supported through the grief and pain of bereavement which, without help, can lead to stress, illness and time off work.

Many affected by bereavement use Cruse Scotland’s National Helpline 0845 600 2227 to get in touch.

In all, Cruse Scotland volunteers’ contribution adds up to more than 34,000 hours of support every year, with an economic value of more than £1m.

Cruse Scotland’s chief executive Stewart Wilson marked Volunteers Week 2016 – the annual

celebration of the work carried out by the UK’s unsung heroes – by sending a message of thanks to the charity’s 350 volunteers for their exceptional work.

He said: “They are fantastic. Our volunteers give their valuable time to counsel support others and to undergo the intense training they need to take on the role.

“Many join Cruse Scotland simply because they want to be involved in helping other people.

“Most, if not all, have been touched by a loss at some stage in their life and may well have been helped by a Cruse Scotland volunteer and want to give something back.”

He added: “Each year they provide more than 34,000 hours of support. The economic value of what they do is estimated at £1 million.”