DTCP’s Key Worker Counselling Scheme – COVID Support

Our free counselling for key worker scheme was set up in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to offer support to local key workers because of the increased stress and pressure on them during a very challenging time. We provided up to six free sessions and in exceptional circumstances 12 sessions.

Key points:

  • The scheme ran from May 2020 until July 2021 in terms of clients being seen.
  • 20 counsellors were involved.
  • A total of 89 local key workers were in receipt of counselling.
  • People lived in a wide range of places across Dorset and Somerset including Portland, Swanage, Bovington, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Yeovil, Bridport, Poole, Bournemouth and Taunton.
  • People came from a wide range of work backgrounds including: care homes, school staff/teachers, medical staff, social workers, police, armed forces, council staff and supermarket staff.
  • The service was nominated by one of its recipients for BBC Radio 4’s 2021 All in the Mind Awards.
  • 4 people have gone on to receive up to a year of low-cost counselling via our core work.
  • People needed help with a variety of issues including bereavement, work stress, anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, trauma and past issues resurfacing

Some comments from those who received counselling:

“ I feel that I had a voice; that I was heard and believed. I felt allowed to have the feelings I have.”

“Your support helped me get my nerve back and move on. It’s been a life-saver!”

“Time to talk has been invaluable to make sense of my current life situation. I am glad of the support right now”.

Huge thanks to the funders and counsellors who made this scheme possible.