Marie Curie - Volunteer Counsellor - Glasgow Hospice

Marie Curie
VO105657

Marie Curie is a leading UK charity providing end-of-life care and support to people living with terminal illness, as well as their families and carers. Within services such as Marie Curie Hospice Glasgow, the Volunteer Counsellor role plays a vital part in delivering holistic care by offering emotional and bereavement support alongside clinical treatment. Volunteer Counsellors work with individuals experiencing anticipatory grief or loss, helping them process complex emotions in a safe, confidential environment. This role is integrated within a wider multidisciplinary team and is supported through training and clinical supervision, ensuring that volunteers contribute safely and effectively to Marie Curie’s mission of providing compassionate, person-centred care at the end of life.
Volunteer Counsellor Opportunity - Support individuals impacted by terminal illness
Coping with bereavement is deeply personal and often painful. At Marie Curie, we support families, carers, and friends of patients who are terminally ill or have died. We’re looking for volunteer counsellors - qualified or in their final year of study - to offer compassionate, professional support to those navigating grief.
Availability: Any weekday between 9am and 5pm
What you’ll do
Provide 2 or more counselling sessions per week within our Glasgow Hospice
Support individuals impacted by terminal illness with empathy and care.
Recognise when additional professional help may be needed.
Work toward agreed outcomes with each client.
Maintain weekly records and attend supervision with a qualified external supervisor.
Follow Marie Curie’s policies and procedures.
What you’ll bring
A recognised qualification in Counselling or be currently in final year of study.
Sensitivity and emotional resilience in working with bereaved individuals.
A commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding.
Willingness to engage in supervision and raise concerns when needed.
A sense of humour and humanity in challenging moments.
What you'll gain
A chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Full induction, ongoing training, and supervision.
Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
A supportive and inclusive volunteer environment.
Support for Volunteers
Marie Curie provides a structured and supportive environment to help you feel confident and well-supported in your role.
A comprehensive induction to the organisation, hospice setting and your role
Ongoing training and development relevant to counselling and bereavement support
Regular clinical supervision with a qualified external supervisor
Day-to-day support from the Bereavement Coordinator and wider hospice team
Opportunities for peer support and reflective practice
Clear guidance on policies, safeguarding and professional boundaries
Access to a dedicated volunteer contact for any questions or concerns
You will be supported as part of a wider multidisciplinary team, ensuring you are never working in isolation and always have access to guidance when needed.
If you are interested, please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out, then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on [email protected]
After You Hit "Apply"
Confirmation email sent.
Follow-up contact (email or call) to arrange a chat.
Induction session at the location
Start volunteering with agreed-upon shift times.
Please contact our Bereavement Coordinator Denise Atcheson [email protected]

Experience required

• Counselling qualification (or currently in final year of study)
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing grief and loss
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Emotional resilience and ability to manage sensitive situations
• Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding
• Ability to recognise when to escalate or refer for additional support
• Commitment to reflective practice and clinical supervision
• Empathy, compass

Travel details

Location – Marie Curie Hospice Glasgow
133 Balornock Road, Glasgow, G21 3US
Situated in North Glasgow, near Possilpark and Springburn.
Travel Information
By bus
The hospice is well served by local bus routes. Nearest stops include Stobhill Hospital (around a 6–7 minute walk) and Belmont Road (around a 2-minute walk). Common routes include 8 / 8A, 82 / 82B, 87, 128, 329 and M3, with direct connections from Glasgow City Centre.
By train
Nearest stations are Barnhill (approximately 10 minutes’ walk) and Springburn (around 25–30 minutes’ walk or a short bus/taxi journey). Regular services run from Glasgow Queen Street.

Travel expenses

Travel Expenses
Marie Curie will reimburse agreed out-of-pocket travel expenses to support your volunteering.
Public transport costs (e.g. bus, train, subway) are typically covered at standard rates
Travel should be the most reasonable and cost-effective option available
Expenses are reimbursed in line with Marie Curie’s volunteer expenses policy
Receipts or proof of travel may be required when submitting claims
Details on how to claim expenses will be provided during your induction

I want to volunteer