15.10.08
In October 2006, Maria Eagle, Education Minister, announced a £1.7m funding package enabling independent counselling for every post-primary school in Northern Ireland.
Contact Youth Counselling Services, the lead youth counselling provider for Northern Ireland, were awarded the contract to provide counselling for all post primary schools. We are delighted to have Contact Youth Counselling Services in our school.
Contact Youth counsellors are all professionally qualified and are committed to child protection and clinical excellence in their work with young people.
While we recognise that the most important supportive relationships young people enjoy are often with parents and friends, we are confident that independent school counselling offers a valuable additional resource to all our pupils. Counselling is particularly valid at times when young people are struggling with concerns they may at first feel unable to discuss with parents or teachers. Both of St. Mary’s Vice Principals will work very closely with the Contact Youth Counsellor, ensuring the best possible pupil support at difficult times.
Counselling remains confidential, except in circumstances where a pupil may be at risk of harm. Any teacher, carer or parent may refer a child to our School Counselling Service and pupils can self-refer through a post box system in school.
We welcome parental enquiries regarding this school’s counselling. Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding our Counselling Service.
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