Counselling service in schools
Access to professional counselling support is available for young people in post-primary schools during difficult and vulnerable periods in their lives. Counselling contributes to tackling barriers to learning which may result from personal trauma, difficult home circumstances, stress, bullying and child abuse.
HOPE Independent School Counselling and Therapy Service
Counselling in schools can make an important contribution to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of young people. Pupils experiencing stress or emotional problems find it difficult to reach their potential. A ‘listening ear’ can sometimes make a great difference.
The Holistic Options for Promoting Resilience Independent School Counselling and Therapy Service (HOPE Service) commenced in September 2024 (previous service known as the Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS)) and is there to provide a ‘listening ear’ and works as an integral part of a school’s pastoral care system to help provide this support to pupils.
Referral
Referrals for counselling/therapy sessions can be made by pupils, parents/carers or school staff. Further information is available on the Education Authority website at School Counselling and Therapy (Hope Service)
Information for schools can be found on the Education Authority website at HOPE Service Operational Handbook 2024.