‘Willow Wood is one of the most positive places I’ve worked at’

We are delighted to have recently seen an increase in the number of students choosing to undertake a placement at Willow Wood Hospice. 

Christina applied for a counselling placement with us as part of her studies at Tameside College, working towards becoming a qualified counsellor.

“I knew Willow Wood offered counselling, and I thought, where better to do it than here? I honestly couldn’t have been happier with the placement,” said Christina.

“It’s been an excellent environment for my placement, and the Family Support team has been incredibly supportive.

“I was interviewed by Callie [Head of Community Services] and Sarah [Senior Family Support Counsellor] and I remember walking away thinking ‘I really hope I get this.’ You just know when something feels right. I was over the moon when Callie told me I’d been offered the placement at Willow Wood.”

After completing her placement, Christina continued to volunteer at the Hospice, describing the experience as overwhelmingly positive.

She explained how pivotal the placement had been in supporting her journey to qualification.

“Every hour spent with a client is a learning opportunity – you can’t help but grow. I’ve developed as a counsellor here, thanks to the ongoing support and guidance from Callie and Bethan [Family Support Lead]. That support has been there every step of the way, both as a trainee and now as a qualified counsellor.”

“I’d known about Willow Wood before my placement, having taken part in the Midnight Wander, and through friends who had shared their positive experiences when loved ones were cared for here.

“When I first started my placement, people would often comment on how sad it must be, and yes, it is difficult watching someone experience the pain of losing a loved one. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that I’ve played a part in supporting that person through such a challenging time. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the clients here. It’s truly been an honour.”

Christina described Willow Wood as ‘a wonderful place doing vital work for the community’.

When talking about the wider organisation, Christina felt Willow Wood has been ‘one of the most positive places I’ve ever worked at’.

She added how the team excels at making a difficult time more manageable. “The Hospice staff are deeply committed to their work, and it’s inspiring to see so many volunteers from the community involved too. I’ve really felt like a valued member of the team.”

Christina’s passion for counselling stems from her desire to help others through the toughest times of their lives, and Willow Wood provided the ideal setting for this. “I’ve worked with children and young people for the past 12 years, and I love what I do. Being able to combine this experience with counselling has been an incredibly enriching and insightful opportunity for me.”

Christina also works as a Programme Development Manager for the charity Power2, which supports children and young people to thrive. She has been with the organisation for over 12 years, where her role involves designing and writing programmes to help young people at risk of not reaching their full potential.

“I’m thrilled to be completing my next placement at Power2, working with young people facing mental health challenges. It means a great deal to me to be able to complete my placement at a charity that I know does such incredible work with children and young people.”

Callie Harrop, Head of Community Services, said Christina has been a real asset to the Hospice’s Family Support team.

“Her warm, friendly nature and her passion for good outcomes for those she works with has been a joy to observe,” she said.

“Whilst on placement and through volunteering, Christina has supported a number of people including patients and family members of those who have accessed Willow Wood services, and has received some fantastic feedback about the relationships she has built and the impact the counselling has had for those she has supported.

“Whilst we will miss Christina on our team, we wish her all the very best for her future studies and next steps in her career and know that anyone lucky enough to meet Christina as a counsellor will have a positive experience.

“We are always so grateful that individuals choose to spend their placements with us and always aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for our Trainee Counsellors, with guidance when navigating a caseload, a chance to reflect on their sessions and the offer of training, supervision and learning opportunities to enhance their placement offer.”

When asked if she would recommend a placement or volunteering at Willow Wood to others, Christina’s response was simple: “100%! I’ve already spoken to my previous college tutor and told them I’d highly recommend Willow Wood for counselling placements.

“I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s been an incredible placement – it feels like you’re really giving something back, and that’s something I think is really important.”

Willow Wood Hospice welcomes students on medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and counselling placements.

To find out more, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/student-placements/ or email education@willowwood.org.uk