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Celebrating our Volunteers: Meet Counselling Volunteer, Chris

It’s Volunteers’ Week — a time to honour the care, dedication, and impact of our volunteers. Meet Chris, a counselling volunteer who creates safe, compassionate spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel truly heard and supported. Their work reminds us that volunteering is an act of solidarity, healing, and love.
6 June 2025
A portrait of Chris who is a counselling volunteer with LGBT Health and Wellbeing.

My name is Chris (they/them). I have lived in Scotland since 2014, and have volunteered with LGBT Health and Wellbeing since 2016. I love working for our community, it brings me meaning and purpose. I live in Midlothian, I have four dogs, of varying size, and I love to garden.

What inspired you to start volunteering with LGBT Health and Wellbeing?

Volunteering here means joining a community committed to supporting and uplifting all of us, helping to create a more inclusive and accepting society. Being here, completing my work, provides an opportunity to connect, gain valuable experience, and contribute to meaningful change through advocacy, education, and direct assistance. By volunteering, I make a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, offering support, resources, and a safe space for those who need it most.

What does your volunteering role involve?

As a person-centred therapist, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where people feel heard, respected, and understood. My focus is on empathy, listening, and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to explore their thoughts and emotions freely without being directed or judged.

Why is this work important to you?

Working as a therapist is deeply meaningful because therapy can make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them navigate challenges, heal from trauma, and build resilience. My work provides an opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth, and beyond emotional fulfilment, volunteering as a therapist contributes to a healthier and more compassionate society by fostering understanding, self-acceptance, and emotional wellbeing.

What does LGBT Health and Wellbeing mean to you?

t its core, LGBT Health and Wellbeing means having the freedom to live authentically and receive care and support without fear or stigma.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Get in touch, let’s talk about that!

A group of 3 volunteers wearing LGBT Health and Wellbeing t-shirts

Volunteer

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