Steel River Academy Counsellor
At Steel River, we are fortunate enough to employ a school counsellor, Michelle Evenden, who works with children across the trust. School counselling has evolved over the years and can be beneficial in a number of ways. For example, it can:
- Reduce the psychological distress that children and young people experience as a result of facing a range of challenges and difficulties,
- Offer a dedicated and safe space to talk about difficulties independently and without judgment,
- Help children and young people learn effective strategies and support them in becoming more resilient,
- Help develop positive self-esteem, confidence, social skills and good mental health,
- Improve engagement in learning,
- Reduce the stigma around mental health,
- Provide insight and guidance for school staff on supporting children and young people,
- Facilitate an important link between school, families and other specialist agencies.
Process for making a referral
Access to receive counselling support can be obtained by speaking to a class teacher, Mrs Phoenix or Mrs Laverick. As part of the referral process, Mrs Phoenix will contact parents to find out more about the situation and the support parents feel their child needs. Parents or Carers will then be asked to sign a consent form. Following this, the school counsellor will then contact parents and carers, or invite them in for a face to face meeting. If you would like any more information, please click here.
