Faces in Focus
Counselling, information,
advice & guidance for
young people aged 11-25
in South London.
About us
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We empower young people aged 11-25 years old so
you can exercise your individuality, make informed
choices and decisions in your life, reach your full
potential and become active citizens.
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We do this by providing free, confidential and
independent information, advice, guidance,
advocacy and counselling through one to one
support and when necessary group work. We offer
Information about staying in education, or accessing
training and employment, improving your health and
wellbeing, preventing homelessness and reducing
crime.
IAG information, advice &
guidance
 Information,
advice, and guidance for 11-25
year olds including those with complex
needs relating to:
 homelessness,
 financial insecurity, welfare benefits
 being not in education, training or
employment,
 insecure immigration status,
Counselling
A
supportive, non-judgemental 1-1
relationship with a professional.
 An opportunity to talk and be listened to,
understand more about what is bothering
you and to think through situations and
options to help deal with the problem.
 Led by what you want and need.
 Confidential.
 Free.
Issues counselling can help with
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Feelings such as stress, sadness, anger or anxiety
Behaviour such as eating disorders or self harm
Experiences such as abuse, being a carer, family
conflict, being a victim of crime, domestic violence (or
witnessing DV)
Life changes
Sexuality
Witnessing and/or experiencing gender based violence,
Being on the periphery of or involved in gangs.
You may have a friend or family member who you
know would benefit from having counselling because
of some of the issues listed here.
Counselling is NOT:
 About
being judged
 About being told what to do
 Getting help with practical support eg.
Housing or benefits – our IAG can provide
that support
 Getting access to a diagnosis or
medication – you will need to go to your GP
for this.
Referrals by others you can get someone else
to refer you to counselling but they must
 Engage
and involve you in the discussion
and the decision to access counselling.
 Send us a referral form with your input with
as much information as they can.
 We will arrange an assessment session and
the person who referred you can attend this
session with you if you want some support.
Self referral
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You can refer yourself and no-one else needs to
know that you have asked for counselling.
You can come in for a chat with one of our
counsellors to see if counselling is something
you would like to try.
You can send us a referral form and we will
contact you directly to come in for an
assessment appointment.
You can arrange to have your sessions at a time
that is convenient to you.
Information-sharing
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We will Inform you what counselling is and is not
What your options are
You can talk about whatever you want to talk about
You can ask questions
You can leave the sessions at anytime and you and
your counsellor will discuss an ending
We will share safeguarding information and will tell you
if we have to do this and why
We will not share any other information about you with
outside agencies unless you give us permission to do so
We will ask you to inform us of how the counselling has
helped you.
Questions
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What kind of problems do people talk about?
How might counselling help me?
How long will it take?
What if I’m not happy with the counsellor or
counselling ?
Does it mean I’m ‘mad’ if I have to have
counselling?
Where do I need to go?
Can my mum or dad have counselling?
Any other questions?
What’s Next?
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Want to find out a bit more about us go to our
website
www.facesinfocus.org.uk
Speak to your teachers or parents about your wish
to access counselling and get them to refer you.
Take a leaflet away with you and make contact
with us when you feel ready for a chat.
Send us a self referral form and we will do the rest.
Send me an email
counselling@facesinfocus.org.uk
Sharon Kitson – Counselling Manager Faces in focus