Counselling at Malmesbury School

The counselling service at Malmesbury School has been supporting students and staff since February 2014, when it was first established. It is well recognised throughout the school community for the support it provides, and it goes some way to illustrate the importance we associate with mental wellbeing across the school.

We are lucky to have appointed such an excellent team of counsellors and they are able to provide a service to students and staff during school hours five days a week.

Most counselling sessions take place in the bungalow, which is a separate building to the main school. The bungalow has its own reception area and a well-equipped counselling room. We believe that the slight separation from the main school helps to add an additional layer of privacy for students and staff who use the service.

To make a referral please use the email counsellor@malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk. Students can sign in with their school login and fill out the referral form.

How counselling can help young people

Many young people struggle with how they feel. They can experience problems with friends, family or school, they can become anxious, depressed, angry or scared and sometimes they need to talk to someone but find it difficult to talk to people they know.

Counselling is the most common form of talking therapy and is sometimes available on the NHS through the GP surgery. It can help young people deal with issues and events and the effects they are having on their mental wellbeing. The counsellor will help explore the problem, the symptoms and strategies for coping.

How adults can help their children

Friends and family can be vital sources of support and can help young people cope with stressful situations and difficult times. When a young person is feeling down or having a hard time, it is important for them to spend time with other people.

Be positive about counselling as an option and encourage your child to attend sessions even if the benefits are not immediately apparent.

These are things that can really make a difference:

• who they feel easy talking to about personal matters
• who is non-judgmental and a good listener
• someone they have known for a while rather than a new friend
• someone who may have been in a similar situation and would have empathy. (This is often why people choose forums because they feel comfortable talking to people who have experienced similar things to them)

Clark Harrell

Deputy Headteacher