School Counsellor

School Counsellor - Judy Benest

The role of the school counsellor is to support students with any difficulties they maybe experiencing inside or outside of school. The appointments are voluntary and issues discussed will be kept confidential.

Counselling provides the opportunity and time to talk about worries or difficulties and to explore the thoughts and feelings that arise from them.  Counselling can help students to improve relationships, cope with changes, gain insight into themselves and others, as well be able to either resolve, accept or let go of their difficulty. Evidence based research indicates that improvements in the mental wellbeing of students through having access to a school counselling service has increased their ability to perform at school.

The school counsellor is available every Thursday 8.30am to 1pm to see students, parents and staff.  Appointments, which are 30 minutes long, can be made via Mrs Shrimpton in the school office.

Mrs Benest is also involved in the training of Peer Mentors which was introduced in the academic year 2011 - 2012. This scheme involves Year 11 and Year 12 student volunteers providing support to students in Years 7-10 who have been identified as benefiting from being allocated a Peer Mentor.