Ferguslie Counselling Service FAQs
Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund, the Tannahill Centre has teamed up with Lifelink to provide a counselling service that people from Ferguslie can access via telephone or video conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lifelink is an award-winning charity that provides counselling and group-work services to support people live happier and healthier lives, whilst the Tannahill Centre is a community organisation based in the heart of Ferguslie supporting local people.
The counselling service is free and can be accessed by calling 0141 552 4432 or visiting https://www.lifelink.org.uk/make-a-referral/ remember and mention the Tannahill Centre when calling, so the call handler knows that your are eligible for free support.
We have produced a set of Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have a question that isn’t listed below, please feel free to contact either the Tannahill Centre or Lifelink for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is counselling right for me?
Whilst counselling isn’t right for everyone, it has been proven to support people to cope and manage better during difficult times. It can help you tackle issues in a safe and supportive environment and bring about change in your life in relation to how you behave and reaction to a wide range of things including emptions, relationships, self-esteem and anxiety.
How much will it cost?
The service is free, you will have to make sure you mention the Tannahill Centre when you call, so that the call handler is aware that you are eligible for free support.
How should I prepare for my counselling session?
You will need to be alone in a quite space, without interruption for your counselling session. We appreciate that this may be difficult in the current climate, but we ask this as it’s the only way you will get the full benefit of the service.
Some suggestions might be to lock pets out of the room you are using, ask a partner to take children out for some exercise, or if you’re single parent, settling children down for a movie you know will keep them entertained long enough for you to make time for you.
How long will the counselling sessions take?
Counselling sessions will last up to 50 minutes each. It might feel like a long time, but you will find that the time passes by very quickly.
How many sessions will I get?
For some people, one session is enough, others may need more time to discuss their issues with a counsellor. The support provided by Lifelink is aimed at being short term, and usually last between four and eight sessions. Those who need more long-term support will be referred to other more relevant services.
When do the counselling sessions take place?
Counselling sessions will start from the 1st June 2020, and will take place on the following days:
• Tuesday afternoons & evenings
• Wednesday afternoons
• Saturday mornings
We anticipate evening and weekend sessions being the most popular, so we would encourage those who are free in the afternoons to sign up for these sessions first.
Will the Tannahill Centre know I’ve attended counselling?
No. Lifelink will not disclose who has made us of the counselling service.
Will my doctor know I’ve attended counselling?
No. Lifelink is a private counselling service and will not appear on your medical records.
Is the service confidential?
Confidentiality will be maintained by Lifelink. In exceptional circumstances where the person attending counselling is at risk of harm to themselves or others, and is
unwilling to remove this risk themselves, Lifelink may find it necessary to breach confidentiality to protect them or others. This is explained in more detail at the first counselling session.
Are the counsellors qualified?
Yes – counsellors are fully qualified and accredited by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) which sets rigorous standards for counsellors. All of Lifelink’s counsellors are registered with the BACP and work to these high standards.