Counselling during coronavirus

We understand it can be difficult to maintain our mental health and wellbeing when we are trying to cope with the uncertainty and challenges that Covid-19 has brought to our lives. In the weeks and months ahead you may feel overwhelmed, depressed or perhaps suffer a loss. ACT want you to know that we are here for you.

How?

Although our counselling team are currently unable to run face-to-face appointments within our centres, appointments are currently taking place over the telephone or through video calls. Video sessions are taking place via Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp video call, depending on the staff member’s preference and consent to the platform’s level of data protection and security. The referral process during Covid-19 is the same as usual, staff members can refer on their own behalf or have their manager refer for them. Simply email: counselling@acttraining.org.uk

Where?

All sessions take place during core working hours and usually last around an hour. However, the length of sessions can be made shorter, depending on your preferences and commitments. All members of staff are entitled to up to 6 sessions of counselling per year. As always, counselling referrals and sessions remain confidential: no one else at ACT needs to know you are having counselling, unless you want them to know.

More information

Please contact our counsellors Debra Jones or Cate Harding-Jones directly if you have any questions or concerns and want to chat them before making a referral. We want to support everyone as much as possible during this difficult time, so please get in touch if you have any concerns or questions about this.

Thought for the day

From Cate Harding-Jones

What can you hear? During lockdown, many people have noticed the presence of bird song. It has always been there, but the lack of traffic, of rushing, of being distracted have cleared space to hear the birds sing. With more time at home, and more time in this glorious sunshine, I have definitely learnt to appreciate the birds more.

I have heard other things too, that I might not have noticed before. I have heard people saying ‘hello’ a lot more as strangers pass by. I have heard myself sound irritated a lot more as I spent my time with the same people day in day out. I have heard messages of fear, uncertainty, hope, death, planning and community support. We know that during this difficult time of lockdown, cases of domestic abuse have increased dramatically. Statistically, this is something that may be affecting staff members either directly or indirectly, so we want to offer our support and reassure you that you are not alone and you do not have to suffer in silence. There are many different types of domestic abuse, including:

Coercive control, physical violence, financial abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse and online abuse.

This pandemic brings out many different sounds, feelings and thoughts. Some are to be treasured, and some cause great difficulty and anxiety. All can help us understand ourselves and others better – our emotions, our reactions, and what we need to feel safe and well. My thought for today is to listen to what is going on inside and around us and react with kindness to what we hear. These are strange times and sometimes it can help to acknowledge the sounds that surround us, without the need to judge or immediately fix them.

I have found this article particularly helpful

Domestic Abuse Support

in this process. I hope it is helpful to you too.

Help IS available. Anyone can call the free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 20000 247 if you are concerned.

nationaldahelpline.org.uk

There is further information on recognising domestic violence and where to get help during COVID-19 from the government’s

website here.

Our counselling service is also available to any staff member who is struggling and would like someone to talk to in confidence.