Kind Hearts & Good Deeds
Hats off to the nation’s volunteers, who embrace the spirit of the season of goodwill year-round. Could you do the same?
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SUSAN TURNER IS A BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT VOLUNTEER FOR CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE “Christmas is an especially poignant time, bringing back memories of a lost loved one and Christmas times spent together. The Cruse helplines are pretty busy, taking calls from people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Callers often have an over whelming sense of loneliness – sometimes we are the only person they have spoken to all day. Others might have been out with their family but they have returned to an empty house and no one to share their thoughts and memories with. They often say their families don’t understand – or that they don’t want to burden them with their sad thoughts at Christmas – and there is nobody else they can talk to.
“We are there to listen to them, to be non-judgmental and to support them in a time of crisis. Nearly ever y caller says, ‘Thank you for listening’. It is, metaphorically speaking, holding somebody’s hand when they are going through a difficult time. I feel in a very privileged position because people will open up their innermost and most secret thoughts to you.
“Being able to help brings a feeling of wellbeing and satisfaction. It doesn’t take a great deal of effort on my part but it can, hopefully, transform somebody’s life.” WWW.CRUSE.ORG.UK 020 8939 9530 Helpline 0808 808 1677