a volunteer counsellor's perspective 0203.htm

From a garret under the eaves (three exhausting flights of stairs later…) to a whole floor at Community House. From 15 volunteer counsellors managed by a Co-ordinator funded for 6 hrs p.w. to 4 volunteer counsellors managed by 2 Co-ordinators for 37 hrs. p.w. and overseen by a Project Manager, the changes at Survive have been sweeping and enormous over the last few years.

My own perhaps less noticeable revolution from 1st year trainee counsellor to the position of qualified experienced counsellor currently eligible for BACP Accreditation seems to me to have grown apace with that of the organization's.

What of course, has never changed is the pain, confusion and at times overwhelming distress experienced by the women approaching the service for help. And it is in response to this my commitment and dedication to working for and with Survive grows.

Survive as a placement has been fortuitous for us both I imagine. It has provided me with the hours, training and experience to allow me to consider myself skilled in this specialist area. I hope eventually to find paid work within this field in some capacity. Reciprocally or perhaps more accurately, symbiotically, I believe my own hard work, responsibility and commitment provides the counselling service at Survive with another competent counsellor able to meet the particular challenges, working with this client group expects from us.

As our organisation and what it provides becomes more visible within the community, I feel very proud to be a member of the team.

Keep up the good work Survive!!!