Our Agreement – For Confidential Online Support
(For young people 12 years and above)
Thank you for contacting me.
Below is some information about Online Support.
Please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at:jan@swingsandsmiles.hush.com
Swings & Smiles is not able to offer emergency support:
If you are in crisis and need immediate support you can contact:
Childline - 0800 1111 (free)
(For children and young people up to 25 years – open 24/7)
Your safety and Confidentiality
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All emails are confidential between just us.
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I discuss my work with my supervisor. This helps to make sure that I
am providing you with the best possible support. Your name will not
be included.
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The email system used is called “Hushmail” – it is a safe a secure
email service – only you will be able to receive the emails.
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Please be aware that if you use a shared computer or use a computer
where other people are present – you will need to make sure that you
are able to message me in privacy.
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If you tell me that you are in danger or that someone else is in
danger, I will need to inform another professional or adult to
ensure your / their safety - I will try to talk with you about this first.
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For emergencies only, I will ask you to provide me with a contact
number (parent or guardian)
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I work to the ethical guidelines put together by the BACP –
http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/
How online support works
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I will work with you to help you find answers and possible solutions to
your problems and worries.
I want to ensure you feel supported and respected and that you do
not feel judged.
Listening and understanding is the most important thing I can do to
help you.
I can also provide specific information and advice about being a
sibling of a brother or sister with disabilities/ special needs since I
understand how this might affect you.
I use the term “session”- this is one email from you and a reply from
me.
You may find that just one email support session helps or my may find
that you require more – up to 6. If you need more, we can discuss this.
Online support will be easier if you write less than 500 words in your
message to me
This is your time and space and it is your choice to contact me.
I encourage you to let me know if you feel that online support is not
helping you – It is likely that we can make some changes so that it will
help you.
Computer problems
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If you are unable to make contact using email, please leave a
message at the Phoenix Centre – 01635 285170
If I am unwell or unable to provide email support for a length of time
you will be contacted by another team member from Swings & Smiles
and alternative plans will be made – For this reason, I will ask you to
provide a contact number
Please let me know if you would like more information or if there is something
that you do not understand.
jan@swingsandsmiles.hush.com
Best wishes
Jan