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  • Counselling service in schools

    Topics:
    • Support and development, 
    • Pupil health and wellbeing

    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.

    Related content

    • Children looked after
    • Concussion guidance
    • Coronavirus Guidance Note to All Educational Settings
    • Dealing with a critical incident
    • Dealing with bullying
    • Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Awards
    • Drugs guidance
    • Emotional Health and Wellbeing
    • Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE)
    • Suicide Prevention Guidance
    • Support for parents and pupils
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