Faces in FocusCounselling, information, advice & guidance for young people aged 11-25 in South London.

About us We empower young people aged 11-25 years old so

you can exercise your individuality, make informed choices and decisions in your life, reach your full potential and become active citizens.

We do this by providing free, confidential and independent information, advice, guidance, advocacy and counselling through one to one support and when necessary group work. We offer Information about staying in education, or accessing training and employment, improving your health and wellbeing, preventing homelessness and reducing crime.

IAG information, advice & guidance

Information, advice, and guidance for 11-25 year olds including those with complex needs relating to:

homelessness, financial insecurity, welfare benefits being not in education, training or

employment, insecure immigration status,

Counselling A supportive, non-judgemental 1-1

relationship with a professional. An opportunity to talk and be listened to,

understand more about what is bothering you and to think through situations and options to help deal with the problem.

Led by what you want and need. Confidential. Free.

Issues counselling can help with

Feelings such as stress, sadness, anger or anxiety Behaviour such as eating disorders or self harm Experiences such as abuse, being a carer, family

conflict, being a victim of crime, domestic violence (or witnessing DV)

Life changes Sexuality Witnessing and/or experiencing gender based violence, Being on the periphery of or involved in gangs. You may have a friend or family member who you

know would benefit from having counselling because of some of the issues listed here.

Counselling is NOT: About being judged About being told what to do Getting help with practical support

eg. Housing or benefits – our IAG can provide that support

Getting access to a diagnosis or medication – you will need to go to your GP for this.

Referrals by others you can get someone else to refer you to counselling but they must

Engage and involve you in the discussion and the decision to access counselling.

Send us a referral form with your input with as much information as they can.

We will arrange an assessment session and the person who referred you can attend this session with you if you want some support.

Self referral You can refer yourself and no-one else needs

to know that you have asked for counselling. You can come in for a chat with one of our

counsellors to see if counselling is something you would like to try.

You can send us a referral form and we will contact you directly to come in for an assessment appointment.

You can arrange to have your sessions at a time that is convenient to you.

Information-sharing We will Inform you what counselling is and is not What your options are You can talk about whatever you want to talk about You can ask questions You can leave the sessions at anytime and you and your

counsellor will discuss an ending We will share safeguarding information and will tell you

if we have to do this and why We will not share any other information about you with

outside agencies unless you give us permission to do so

We will ask you to inform us of how the counselling has helped you.

Questionso What kind of problems do people talk about?o How might counselling help me?o How long will it take?o What if I’m not happy with the counsellor or

counselling ?o Does it mean I’m ‘mad’ if I have to have

counselling?o Where do I need to go?o Can my mum or dad have counselling?o Any other questions?

What’s Next? Want to find out a bit more about us go to our

websitewww.facesinfocus.org.uk

o Speak to your teachers or parents about your wish to access counselling and get them to refer you.

o Take a leaflet away with you and make contact with us when you feel ready for a chat.

o Send us a self referral form and we will do the rest.o Send me an email

counselling@facesinfocus.org.uk

Sharon Kitson – Counselling Manager Faces in focus