FAQ | Chat Youth Counselling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the counselling process?

CHAT offers all prospective young people a short assessment interview. This involves the young person talking with the counsellor and provides them with an opportunity to decide whether they wish to go ahead with the counselling or be offered an alternative means of support to meet their needs. As regular attendance is a crucial part of the counselling process, appointments will be agreed between the young person and the counsellor at this time. The young person should be prepared to commit to six sessions, which will be reviewed regularly to ensure we are meeting their needs. The counselling will take place in a designated room in our office base, at a local school or in an appropriate venue to be agreed.

What is counselling for young people?

CHAT provides the opportunity for a young person to talk to a professional with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing. The professional; a trained counsellor is a neutral party and not a part of their family or school life, allowing them the space to open up and be heard in a safe environment. The relationship that a young person develops with their counsellor can be very different to those they share with other adults in their life.

What geographic area do you cover?

The geographical area covered by CHAT Youth Counselling is wide. We support young people in Oundle, Thrapston and the many surrounding villages throughout NE Northamptonshire.

The Counsellors work from the CHAT offices in the Courthouse, Oundle and also at the following schools; Prince William School, Oundle, Thrapston Primary, Kings Cliffe Endowed Primary. In addition, occasional work is undertaken at other primary schools in the north of East Northamptonshire.

Who runs & operates CHAT?

CHAT is managed by a group of volunteer Charity Trustees. The Trustees are local people with an interest and experience in counselling, youth work, local government or other relevant leadership or management experience. They are appointed at the AGM, which reviews the appointments annually.

The Trustees are supported by a Clinical Business Manager who oversees the day to day running of the service. The Charity employs full time / part time Counsellors, support workers and key admin staff.

What is Therapeutic Mentoring?

Sometimes talking alone is not easy for a young person and so with the use of other materials it may become easier to express themselves. We use a professionally qualified person who may use knitting, weaving, clay work or other artistic means to enable a young person to express their feelings.

Governance & Policy Documents?

CHAT Youth Counselling exists for the preservation and protection of the emotional and mental health of young people, aged from 9-25 years in Oundle, Thrapston and surrounding areas of North East Northamptonshire. CHAT is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which is a legal entity for not-for-profit organisations in the UK. Below is a copy of the Constitution as well as our Safeguarding, Privacy and Confidentiality Policies.