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.