Charity needs more counsellors as demandsoars for support in aftermath of lockdowns

A CHARITY operating in Hampshire is looking to recruit 85 Associate Therapists and Practitioners this month in a bid to help meet the rising demand for counsellors in Basingstoke post-lockdowns.

Options Wellbeing Trust, which offers a range of professional support to people across Basingstoke, is searching for qualified therapists or practitioners to join its team.

Wendy Lee, Head of Health and Wellbeing, explains: “Our services cover topics including issues connected with loneliness and isolation brought on by restrictions.

“Also, we’re now dealing with anxiety about returning to ‘normal’ and leaving the safety of home, plus self-harm, trauma and bereavement related potentially to illness, long Covid and pandemic deaths. As well as alcohol and gambling issues.

“To help meet the demand we’re seeing now, we’re looking for Associate Therapists and Practitioners to join our friendly and supportive community.

“If you’re a qualified therapist or practitioner and registered with a recognised professional body such as BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKRCP, CA & ANLP, contact us to find out more.”

The roles Options Wellbeing is currently looking to fill are on a self-employed basis and those that join the charity will be able to take advantage of a whole host of benefits by becoming an associate.

Wendy adds: “Do you have experience working with people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship, alcohol and gambling issues?

“If so, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch through our social media pages or by emailing support@optionswellbeing.co.uk to find out more.”

Options Wellbeing is part of Social Care in Action (SCiA), which is a not-for-profit group of charitable social enterprises working together to improve health and wellbeing in communities across the south of England.

For further details, please visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk.