Norwich Branch

• “I felt she totally understood how I was feeling about losing my young grandchild. I was able to release my raw grief that I’d kept inside for so long. She helped me immensely with comforting words and support through my extremely difficult journey through grief. My feelings and tears just poured out. I didn’t have to be strong for others. This was my time to come to terms with what was in my head alone".

• Thank you Cruse. Having counselling helped me to face my demons head on. Being able to talk about my inner raw grief has released me and lifted a heavy weight from my shoulders. My grief was destroying me. I used alcohol almost daily to get me through for 3 years. As I could not cope with my last memory of my grandchild at the Chapel of Rest. Now – I see treasured, happier memories. The alcohol is minimal as I no longer need it. Cruse has taught me to embrace, treasure and honour what me and my grandchild shared. I am honoured and privileged to have had such a big part in my grandchild’s short life.”

• “To be able to have a conversation with a complete stranger and to feel at ease by being given the opportunity to express your feelings and thoughts and not being judged in any way. It gave me a lot of confidence enabling me to cope on my own at the same time to enjoy life again. He had empathy with how I was feeling and helped me to manage different situations in a practical way as well as emotionally.”

• “The understanding of my flashbacks”

• “Great first (assessment) meeting and the counsellor you found has been amazing. I am so grateful. She has taught me how to deal with every day problems and to rationalize my behaviour. I feel more confident and much happier.”

• “Information given via the phone was very clear, and issues with assessment counsellor dealt with in respectful and compassionate way…it gave me a chance to talk about my feelings to a third party who was thoughtful and focused on me. Helped me name and address some of these feelings….let me know feelings were normal. Cruse does really good work about a subject a lot of people are uncomfortable with – keep up the good work.”

• “I don’t know how I would have coped without her help. She is a very special person.”

• “Talking to a neutral advisor outside friends and family put many things into perspective. Gave me practical things to do to help myself.....it really helped me to move forward and stop feeling guilty and angry.

• “I was very upset the first time I contacted Cruse but everyone was so kind and friendly and put me at ease….My counsellor helped me by talking through issues I had about my husband’s death. Things I wished I’d said and didn’t and regrets I had. I found it very helpful although upsetting at times. It was good to talk to someone outside family and friends who really understood.”

• “I actually felt I only needed one session, , but she said I could go for more, or start them again at any time. I was very pleased with everyone’s helpful attitude I spoke to. It was a shame I left it so long before I asked my GP for help. I would have been better quicker if I had seen Cruse earlier.”