Charity in Recruitment Drive as Demand Soars for Counsellors in Aftermath of Lockdowns
A SOUTHAMPTON charity is looking to recruit 85 Associate Therapists and Practitioners this month (September 2021) in a bid to help meet the rising demand for counsellors in the city post-lockdowns.
Options Wellbeing Trust, which offers a range of professional and affordable support to people across Southampton, is searching for qualified therapists or practitioners to join its team.
Wendy Lee, Head of Health and Wellbeing, explains: “We’re seeing a much greater demand for our services post-pandemic and following the lockdowns this and last year. People have struggled and have understandably found it difficult coping with many of the issues it has raised.
“We’re now dealing with the aftermath and the impact of Covid and are supporting people with their general wellness, making a positive difference to their daily lives. Our services cover a whole range of topics including issues connected with loneliness and isolation brought on by restrictions.
“Also, we’re now dealing with anxiety about returning to ‘normal’ and leaving the safety of home, plus self-harm, trauma and bereavement related potentially to illness, long Covid and pandemic deaths. As well as alcohol and gambling issues, as people struggle with spending much more time potentially on their own, without their usual positive external distractions and the support of friends and family.
“To help meet the demand we’re seeing now, we’re looking for 85 Associate Therapists and Practitioners to join our friendly and supportive community at Options Wellbeing Trust. If you’re a qualified therapist or practitioner and registered with a recognised professional body such as BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKRCP, CA & ANLP, contact us to find out more and please apply today, as people in Southampton urgently need you and the professional support you can offer them.”
The roles Options Wellbeing is currently looking too fill are on a self-employed basis and those that join the charity will be able to take advantage of a whole host of benefits by becoming an associate.
These include the support of experienced practitioners, referrals between colleagues, complimentary clinical supervision and regular discounted CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions and training opportunities.
New recruits will be able to use Options Wellbeing Trust’s serviced reception area with its free coffee and tea making facilities, receive reduced rates for room rental, have access to marketing and feature on the charity’s website.
Wendy continues: “Working with us will provide people with great development opportunities, plus we provide a calm, supportive and therapeutic environment to work in. We offer free Wi-Fi use, full access to rooms, remote access to our calendar, and a method for recording our client notes through our Case Management System (CMS).”
Options Wellbeing is a long-established registered charity with more than 50 years’ experience in offering a range of professional and affordable therapeutic support, counselling, training and development services to people across Southampton, Hampshire and Dorset.
It is proud to assist people in communities at a grassroots level, making a difference to their lives, leading to a brighter future
The charity supports people and helps them explore ways of recognising what is negatively impacting on their lives and finding ways of addressing and improving their wellbeing.
It delivers workshops on a number of life issues including anxiety, stress management, relaxation, and educational awareness groups on a range of topics such as gambling and drinking.
Wendy adds: “Do you have experience working with people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship, alcohol and gambling issues?
“If so, we would love to hear from you. As part of our Options Wellbeing Associate Community, you would benefit from being part of a therapeutic supportive community, with free clinical supervision, serviced reception and regular discounted CPD events.
“Please get in touch with our friendly team today through our social media pages including Facebook and LinkedIn or by emailing us at support@optionscounselling.co.uk or calling us on 023 8063 0219 to find out more.”
Options Wellbeing is part of Social Care in Action (SCiA), which is based on Dukes Road in Southampton and is a not-for-profit group of charitable social enterprises working together to improve health and wellbeing in communities across the south of England.
For further details, please visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk.
For further media details, please contact Porcupine PR on 01278 446801 or email Rachel@porcupinepr.co.uk. Wendy is happy to be interviewed and can be contacted via Porcupine PR.