Charity Offers Student Placements to Train Up Next Generation of Counsellors
STUDENTS training to become counsellors are being given a helping hand to complete their qualifications by a Southampton charity keen to meet the city’s demand for therapists post-pandemic (September 2021).
Wendy Lee, Head of Health and Wellbeing, explains: “There’s an urgent need for counsellors in the city now because of Covid and the impact on residents during the last 18 months.
“We’re currently recruiting self-employed, fully trained professionals to meet this need but we’re also keen to assist with training up the next generation of practitioners too.
“We’re urging anyone who is looking for a free placement to get it touch with us and to join us as a Trainee Counsellor and become part of our friendly community at Options Wellbeing.
“They’ll receive a comprehensive induction, be fully supported by a team of experienced counselling professionals and have access to ongoing training opportunities.
“We’re committed to developing our trainees’ careers. When they’ve qualified, they’ll have the opportunity to become one of our Associate Practitioners too. We offer a calm, therapeutic and supportive environment, free clinical supervision from experienced supervisors, frequent de-briefing sessions, regular discounted CPD sessions and training opportunities.
“We also provide post-qualification Career Pathway, access to clients, paid travel expenses and access to our serviced reception areas at our venues with free coffee and tea making facilities.”
Options Wellbeing Trust 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.
Wendy continues: “We’re seeing a much greater demand for our services following the various lockdowns. People have struggled with coping with Covid and its on-going impact.
“We’re now dealing with these issues and are supporting people with their general wellness while 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 the restrictions.
“Also, we’re now dealing with anxiety about the ‘new normal’, plus self-harm, trauma and bereavement, which could be related potentially to the pandemic and long Covid, as well as alcohol and gambling addictions, possibly exacerbated by the lockdowns.”
Options Wellbeing Trust 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: “If you’d like a Trainee Placement with us, please get in touch with our friendly team today through our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, by emailing us at support@optionscounselling.co.uk or calling us on 023 8063 0219.”
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.