Where Am I Now? (WAIN) Programme

The WAIN Programme is a five week course offering Primary School Children a gentle first step in exploring feelings about changes in their lives. The weekly sessions consist of the following topics:

• Exploring who I am
• New changes in my life
• Learning about my feelings and expressing my feelings
• Learning how my feelings change
• My new family situation

The WAIN programme takes place in a ‘host’ Primary School with children attending from various schools in the vicinity. the programme takes place after school, one afternoon per week for five weeks. The sessions are Counsellor-led and our Counsellors are assisted by specially trained volunteers. All of our staff and volunteers have Access Ni Enhanced Disclosure Certificates.

Professional Counselling Service

Our counselling service provides the opportunity for young people to look more closely at their lives in a safe, confidential, neutral and non-judgemental environment. Our counsellors are all professionally trained and receive regular supervision and support. Therapists work with a wide range of issues such as:

• Bereavement
• Suicidal Ideation
• Self harm
• Eating Disorders
• Sexual Abuse
• Relationships
• Depression

Young people can refer themselves or they can be referred by a parent, or a professional such as a teacher, doctor or social worker. An initial assessment will always be carried out by a qualified counsellor prior to commencement of counselling. This will enable an exchange of information between counsellor and client. The information gained is used for the counsellor and young person to assess each other’s appropriateness for counselling at the time. Appointments will usually take place once a week and last for up to one hour.

While the service is free, donations are most welcome. Clients who have taken mind altering drugs or alcohol will not be counselled at that time. If either party has to cancel an appointment, we expect them to give at least one day’s notice (emergencies excepted).

Peer Mentoring

Youthlife trains young people aged 16+ as Peer Mentors. The young people complete an OCN Level 2 Award in Peer Mentoring Practice, as well as Child Safeguarding Training and training in peer to peer promotion of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’. Once trained, the Peer Mentor will be matched to a mentee around their own age or younger, for a mutually agreed contracted period of support. This is an excellent way for young people who have been helped in coming to terms with loss to then help others. Mentors can also register for the Millennium Volunteers award and the Youth Achievement Award through Youthlife, in recognition of their volunteering. Peer mentors and mentees are guided and supported by the Youthlife Counselling team, to ensure that mentoring is as mutually beneficial and effective as it can be for all the young people taking part.

Code of Ethics and Practice

Youthlife is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adheres to its policies and procedures. Copies of these can be obtained from the Youthlife Centre.

Your Views

It is important to us that we hear the views of our clients. We will ask you to complete an evaluation form on completion of your counselling. We would encourage you to complete this. All evaluation forms are kept completely confidential.

We also have a complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure is available on request from the Youthlife Centre.