what is Pastoral Mentoring & Counselling?

Pastoral Mentoring and Counselling are safe spaces for you to talk about whatever you wish to with the same Mentor or Counsellor each session. They want to listen to you. They will ask you what you are finding difficult and help you to identify and explore this. They can also offer you information, new ways of thinking and tools to equip you to understand and manage difficult situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

But it’s not all about talk, as we know this often isn’t easy. You can ‘just be’ in sessions and sitting in silence or crying is ok. Both are healthy and help us to process things (work through them). You’ll also be able to write, draw, colour and complete different creative activities.

What can I expect?

Our Pastoral Mentors & Counsellors are trained to listen to you and to help you to understand difficulties in your life such as bereavement, anxiety, low self-esteem, low mood, anger and self-harm.  They are non-judgmental and friendly and will work at your pace.

Sessions are normally 30 – 45 mins long and take place weekly at the same time and place for 6 – 12 weeks, but the number of sessions can be extended if that is the best way to support you. You can also choose to stop mentoring whenever you wish to.

Sessions are confidential – which means we will not share their details with anyone without your permission, except where there is a safeguarding concern. If there is a safeguarding concern, we will explain this to you and seek your views and wishes about what happens.

In secondary schools and community venues in Solihull, West Midlands.