Volunteers Week: meet Fiona
My name is Fiona (she/her)
I married my wife last year after 16 years together. It was a fantastic day! I love animals, especially cats and dogs—I have both. I’m a creative person and enjoy making jewellery whenever I can, experimenting with new techniques. In the past, I sang in a choir, and I hope to return to it soon because I really miss it. I also enjoy yoga, hill walking, and spending time on Scotland’s beautiful beaches, which are my happy places.
Why did you decide to volunteer for LGBT Health and Wellbeing?
While finishing my training as a counsellor, I needed a placement. At the same time, LGBT Health and Wellbeing was looking for volunteers. It felt like the perfect opportunity. Volunteering here has been an amazing experience with a fantastic organisation. I would recommend it to anyone!
Describe your volunteer role:
I’m a volunteer counsellor with the Glasgow Mental Health Project. Each week, I meet clients in the Glasgow office to support them.
What makes you most proud of as a volunteer and what do you hope to achieve?
“Proud” might not be the right word, but I feel deeply satisfied when I can offer clients a safe space where they feel heard. It’s an honour to provide something the world often withholds—compassion and understanding. When I see that connection happen, it moves me and reminds me why I love this work. My goal is to keep creating these spaces and help people build more compassion for themselves, something the world doesn’t always encourage.
If you could change something for our community tomorrow, what would it be?
I recently spoke to a younger colleague who had experienced homophobic abuse. Hearing her story broke my heart. If I could, I would end that kind of hate. I feel lucky and privileged to have faced little, if any, abuse myself, but no one should have to experience it.
What inspires you in your life?
I’m not fond of the word “inspire,” but my past therapist has been a huge influence. He offered me a healing space that changed my life. I hope to give my clients even a little of what he gave me. His approach continues to guide me in my work.