Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service supports the
mental health and emotional wellbeing of women in Leeds,
prioritising those on limited incomes, and who have moderate to severe mental
health needs. Group and individual counselling and psychotherapy are offered
within a safe, supportive and accessible women-only service. Women seen at the
city centre site include survivors of domestic violence and abuse. WCTS also works
in partnership with other relevant community groups in Leeds.
Background to
“Listen to Me” Project
A need was identified to extend the work to women who
would not usually access services, particularly women from BME communities
WCTS obtained funding to employ a co-ordinator to
develop its community based counselling services further with 3 or 4
Partnership Projects in community settings.
What does “Listen to
Me” offer Partnership Projects?
“Listen to Me” brings WCTS’ expertise in counselling
work with women to work in partnership with community based projects in Leeds which wish to develop counselling services. WCTS
has 3 partnerships;
Leeds Women’s Aid
Leeds Housing Concern
DOSTI Asian Women’s Support Service
What does “Listen to
Me” offer Clients?
Women clients find out about what counselling services
are offered, and decide if they want to access them within the comfort of a
familiar non-stigmatising community setting. It may be possible to offer help
with childcare and interpreting services if required. They will be offered a
culturally-sensitive service by trained counsellors who have experience in or
an interest in trans-cultural counselling. They will be offered a safe,
professional counselling service backed up by the expertise of a well-established
specialist women’s counselling service, skilled in helping women facing
difficult issues, such as domestic violence, relationship difficulties,
isolation and loneliness.
What do “Listen to
Me” Placements offer Counsellors?
“Listen to Me” offers 2 types of placements;
- One placement for an Asian speaking trainee
counsellor, which is part funded by Pacesetters and Volunteering England.
- “Listen to Me” also provides diploma-qualified women
counsellors with a great opportunity to gain further skills and experience in
counselling women from BME backgrounds, in accessible, community-based
settings. Counsellors will have opportunities to work with clients whose needs
have already been assessed, and offer contracts of varying lengths.
Importantly, it offers this within the psychodynamic framework of WCTS; a
highly regarded specialist counselling service. Unfortunately, the placements
will be unpaid, though travel expenses will be paid. In addition, regular
fortnightly clinical supervision, monthly line management, opportunities for
training and reviews will be provide.
What is the next
step?
Look at www.womenstherapyleeds.org.uk/vacancies
and download details and application forms.
If you want to ring, then call WCTS on 0113 245 5725
and speak to Helen Swift, Project Co-ordinator.
You can also email Helen at: Helen.swift@womenstherapyleeds.org.uk
or the office at: info@womenstherapyleeds.org.uk
Post
application and enquiries to : Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service, Oxford
Chambers, Oxford Place,
Leeds, LS1 3AX.
Women’s
Counselling and Therapy Service (WCTS) supports the mental health and emotional
well being of women living in Leeds
prioritising those on a limited income.
Funded by Volunteering England
