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Perinatal counselling is a specialised form of mental health support designed to address the unique emotional and psychological challenges that individuals and couples may face during the perinatal period, which encompasses pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This form of counselling is crucial because it acknowledges that this phase of life can be marked by significant transitions and stressors, impacting not only the individual’s mental well-being but also the health of the newborn and the overall family dynamic.Family Welfare’s Perinatal counselling is provided by qualified Counsellors who have expertise in dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects of pregnancy and early parenthood. Their role is to offer guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions to individuals and couples who are preparing for parenthood or are experiencing difficulties related to pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period.

The key aspects of perinatal counselling include:

Antenatal Counselling: This phase involves offering support and guidance during pregnancy. Expectant parents may have concerns, anxieties, or unresolved issues related to their own childhood, past traumas, or relationship dynamics that need to be addressed before the baby arrives. Perinatal counsellors help individuals and couples prepare emotionally for the changes ahead.Postpartum Support: The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is a time when many parents experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of overwhelm.Perinatal counsellors offer support to help new parents navigate these challenges, providing coping strategies and resources for self-care.Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Counselling: Perinatal counsellors also work with individuals and couples who are struggling with infertility issues or have experienced miscarriages or stillbirths. These experiences can be emotionally devastating, and perinatal counselling provides a safe space to grieve, heal, and explore options for family-building.Trauma-Informed Care: For individuals who have experienced traumatic events in their past, pregnancy and childbirth can trigger trauma responses. Perinatal counsellorsare trained to provide trauma-informed care, recognising and addressing the impact of trauma on the perinatal experience.Postpartum Mood Disorders: Perinatal counsellorsare skilled in identifying and treating postpartum mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety. They offer evidence-based therapies and support to help parents recover and provide the best care for their newborns.

In summary, perinatal counsellingis a vital resource that recognises the profound emotional and psychological changes that can occur during the perinatal period. It offers a compassionate and specialised approach to supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. By addressing these mental health needs, perinatal counselling contributes to the overall well-being of both parents and their newborns, fostering healthier family dynamics and improving the transition to parenthood.To find out more about our services you can call us direct on 01942 867888 or click here and send us a message using our enquiry form.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support and child counselling in schools. The well-being of students is not solely dependent on academic achievement but also on their emotional and psychological health. Schools are not just places for education; they are also environments where students should feel safe and supported in addressing their mental health needs. In this essay, we will explore the significance of mental health support and child counselling in schools, the benefits it offers, and some of the challenges that schools face in implementing these crucial services.

The importance of mental health support and child counselling in schools cannot be overstated. Many children and adolescents experience a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, from anxiety and depression to stress and trauma. These issues can significantly impact a student’s ability to learn and thrive in an academic setting. When students are struggling with their mental health, it can lead to absenteeism, poor academic performance, and even dropout rates. Providing access to mental health support and counselling services in schools can help identify and address these issues early, preventing more severe problems down the road.

One of the primary benefits of offering mental health support and child counselling in schools is early intervention. School counsellors can identify students who may be at risk for mental health issues and provide them with the necessary support and resources. This early intervention can prevent these problems from escalating and becoming more challenging to treat later on. Moreover, it promotes a culture of openness and destigmatises mental health concerns, encouraging students to seek help when needed.

Another crucial benefit is improved academic performance. When students’ mental health needs are addressed, they are better able to focus, concentrate, and engage in their studies. They also develop better coping strategies and emotional resilience, which are essential life skills. As a result, students who receive mental health support tend to have better attendance records and higher grades. This, in turn, enhances their overall well-being and future prospects.

Additionally, mental health support and child counselling in schools contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment. Students who are struggling with emotional or psychological issues may exhibit disruptive behaviour or become targets of bullying. By addressing the underlying mental health concerns, schools can reduce incidents of bullying, violence, and disciplinary problems. This creates a more positive atmosphere for all students and teachers.

However, implementing mental health support and child counselling in schools is not without its challenges. One significant obstacle is the shortage of qualified school counsellors. Many schools are understaffed and struggle to provide adequate mental health services to their students. This issue is exacerbated in lower-income areas, where resources are limited. Addressing this challenge requires increased funding and support for mental health programs in schools.

In conclusion, mental health support and child counselling in schools are essential for the overall well-being and success of students. These services provide early intervention, improve academic performance, and create a safer learning environment. However, challenges such as a shortage of qualified professionals and the need for teacher training must be addressed to ensure that all students have access to the mental health support they need. By investing in mental health services in schools, we can help students develop the skills and resilience they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

To find out more about our services you can call us direct on 01942 867888 or click here and send us a message using our enquiry form. 

The Relevant Person’s Representative, or RPR for short, is possibly one of the lesser known services provided by the Family Welfare team. People living in the Wigan Borough know us for our Counselling and Advocacy services. What you may not know is the RPR role may also form part of an advocate’s role. 

In this post, we’ll touch on what you need to know about RPR, its role within DoLS (or the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards), and some of the scenarios that might require an RPR to be appointed.

As always, if you’d like to learn more about the role and how we can support your loved ones, please get in touch with us on 01942 867888 or email admin@wiganfamilywelfare.co.uk.   

RPR and its links to DoLS

In our blog about the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, we explained how UK law safeguards people who do not have the mental capacity to make key decisions about their health, care and where they live. 

DoLS comes into effect when people are deemed to lack capacity about their care and accommodation needs, and their place of residence is deemed to be under constant supervision and control.  

An example would be an individual with advanced dementia who is living in a care home. The entry and exit points of the home are controlled by keypad and the code is known only to staff.  

Once DoLS has been authorised, an RPR must be appointed to represent the best interests of the individual.

When there is no friend or family member available to represent the person’s interests, or if they are deemed inappropriate to do so, an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate is likely to be appointed as paid RPR by the local authority. 

What does an RPR do?  

A Relevant Person’s Representative’s role is to:

• Stay in regular contact with the person who has been deprived of their liberty
• Maintain contact with care home management, nurses and staff
• Review care plans and daily notes in order to ensure any restrictive practices are carried out in the individual’s best interests and recorded as such
• Ensure that the care home adheres to any conditions set by the local authority. For example, if a condition stipulates that the care home should look to provide activities both within and outside of the home, this is being done and recorded accurately.
• To uphold the rights of the individual they are supporting. For example, if they are consistently objecting to the placement, to ensure their right to appeal their DoLS. This may involve the RPR instructing a solicitor with the view to making an application to the Court of Protection.

What’s the difference between an IMCA and an RPR?

The Independent Mental Capacity Advocate’s role is decision specific, i.e. related to an accommodation or serious medical treatment decision. 

An RPR maintains in regular contact with the individual to support them and uphold their best interests in every aspect of their care, treatment and residency. 

How to appoint a Relevant Person’s Representative

The appointment of an RPR is the responsibility of the local authority, and undertaken by a best interests assessor (who is also a qualified social worker) during their DoLS assessment.

If the local authority feels it appropriate, they will make a direct referral to Family Welfare’s Advocacy team via e-mail or our website.

In April 2021, almost 650 children* were living in care in Wigan – a number that’s likely risen over the last two years. 

At Family Welfare we want to support children and young people to have the best possible start in life. Our children and young person’s advocacy service exists to ensure young people in care in Wigan have their voices heard and their views represented.

The advocacy service is for children being looked after in Wigan local authority care between the age of 4-17, or who have left care and are aged between 18-25. Other eligibility criteria do apply, please check here for the full list.   

Speaking up for Children and Young People (CYP)  

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that:

“Every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them and to have their views taken seriously”.

Children in care or being cared for (such as adopted or fostered children) and young people who have left care have a legal right to be heard. A professional advocate can be called in if a child feels their views, opinions, wishes and feelings are not being heard, or they do not have a voice within the situation they find themselves. 

Young people in the care system can feel angry or frustrated by decisions being made by other people. 

If you:

– disagree with decisions being made about your future

– feel you are being treated unfairly, or 

– someone has made a promise to you and not kept it

You can ask for an advocate to speak up on your behalf.

The issue could be around where you live, who cares for you, or what happens to you when you leave the care system. Whatever your concern, if you don’t have anyone you can trust to turn to for help, an advocate will be there to fight your corner. 

Advocates also have an important role to play in supporting care leavers as they move into adulthood and prepare for transitions in life. It’s not easy to make big, life-changing decisions on your own. An advocate will listen to understand your wishes and support you to get to where you want to be.     

How to access our Children and Young Person’s advocacy service

Family Welfare’s advocacy team are on your side. We believe every child and young person should understand their rights and be involved in decisions about where they live and who cares for them.  

If you are a young person in social care or about to leave care and you recognise yourself in any of the situations mentioned above, you can self refer to our CYP advocacy service. 

When and where we meet is entirely up to you – in school, online, at our offices or a place you feel comfortable. For more information about children’s advocacy, call us on 01942 867888 or email admin@familywelfare.co.uk  

*Source: Wigan Council Sufficiency Strategy, Children’s Services, 2021-24 

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Business/Professionals/Childcare-Sufficiency/Sufficiency-strategy-2021-2024.pdf 

Children and young people are the future. That’s why they form a very important audience for Family Welfare support and representation. 

Our children and young person’s advocacy service supports young people across the Wigan borough who are in care or about to leave care. A CYP advocate’s primary role is to ensure young people’s voices are heard and their views represented in decisions being made about their future.

A Children and Young Person’s (CYP) advocate is independent and meetings with them are completely confidential.

A CYP advocate has four main areas of responsibility:

• Listen

To listen and fully understand the views of young people and children who are going through tough times in life. Anything you say to an advocate is confidential. The only time they might share information about you would be to ask for help if they are concerned for your safety or wellbeing.    

• Represent

To speak for and share the views of the child or young person they are representing. An advocate will attend meetings to represent your views and ask questions on your behalf, e.g. at school, with social workers or legal representatives.

• Explain

To share what happened at meetings they have attended and explain the reasons why decisions have been made in a way a child or young person can understand. This might include explaining your legal rights and helping you understand the content of official letters or documents and what they mean to you. 

• Support 

To support the child or young person to make informed decisions and take action on matters affecting their life. This might include helping you prepare for important meetings, fill in forms, or make a complaint. Although, your advocate will try and help you resolve any issues you’re unhappy about before they get to this stage. 

How can I get a young person’s advocate to represent me?

Family Welfare’s advocacy team are always on your side and prepared to speak up for you. We believe every child and young person should understand their rights and be involved in decisions about where they live and who cares for them.  

If you’re a young person in social care or about to leave care and you feel your voice is not being heard, you can self refer to our CYP advocacy service. You must be aged between 4 and 17 and living in Wigan local authority care. For those who have left care you must be aged between 18 and 25. You can find further details on CYP eligibility here. 

You choose your preferred time and location to meet, whether that’s at school, video call, at our office or wherever you feel most comfortable. For more information about children’s advocacy, call us on 01942 867888 or email admin@familywelfare.co.uk  

An Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) supports people to make important decisions about medical care and living arrangements if they are assessed not to have the mental capacity to make the decision themselves.

The IMCA has an important role to play in safeguarding people who are deprived of their liberty and have no family or friends to represent their wishes or challenge decisions made on their behalf. Their aim is to get the best outcome for someone who is unable to make a decision for themselves. They generally work on the instruction of a medical body or professional, or on behalf of a family member who lives far away.  

The first thing you may not know about the role of an IMCA is this:

1) People referred under IMCA must have a capacity assessment before being detained

Under the Mental Capactiy Act, an IMCA can only be instructed once a capacity assessment has been completed. The capacity assessment looks at two key areas of capacity: impairment and decision-making.

When someone is assessed as having an impairment that prevents them from being able to make a decision about their care or accommodation (and there is no friend or family member to do it on their behalf), an independent advocate can be called in.  

2) AN IMCA can access confidential patient health and medical records

Under the Mental Capacity Act, an IMCA has the right to review relevant records relating to the person concerned. This can include care plans, medical records, social services documentation, and care home logs if they live in residential care.

As they carry out their review, the independent advocate will speak to the people who know them best, including health and social care workers, doctors, clinicians, experts, and family members who cannot be present. The aim of their research is to understand the person’s preferences, needs and wishes so they can balance their best interests with professional recommendations.

3) An IMCA can ask for a second medical opinion

In serious medical cases, for example where doctors recommend surgery or intervention that may affect quality of life, the IMCA can request a second opinion. They also have the right to challenge decisions and the decision-making process where they feel it’s in the best interests of their client (see point 5).

4) In urgent cases, the IMCA can provide a verbal report

It’s standard practice for an IMCA to provide a written report summarising their findings and highlighting any information they feel the case decision maker should consider. 

Where a decision needs to be made quickly, e.g. end-of-life care or life-changing surgery, it may not be possible for the IMCA to write up their report in time. In this instance the advocate would verbally share the views and wishes of the person affected by the decision with the decision-maker.

5) The IMCA can appeal a decision in the best interests of their client

Once the advocate has submitted their written report to the case decision-maker, they have a responsibility to read and consider all the information provided before they make their final decision. 

An independent advocate is responsible for ensuring their client’s voice and views are always heard and prioritised. If the IMCA feels information in their report has been overlooked and/or the person’s best interests have not been upheld, they may launch an appeal against the decision on behalf of their client. Appeals can be made in all mental capacity advocacy cases, from living arrangements and care reviews to serious medical treatment decisions and end-of-life care.

How to instruct an IMCA

Our Family Welfare Advocacy team are experienced in listening to, respecting, and upholding the views of others. To learn more about the free service our Independent Mental Capacity Advocates provide across the Borough of Wigan, contact us on 01942 867888 or visit the IMCA page. 

An Independent Mental Health Advocate represents the views of individuals who have been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act. They help them understand what medical care, treatment and medicines have been prescribed by clinicians. An IMHA supports individuals by helping to express their views and upholding their rights under the Mental Health Act.   

An IMHA is different to an IMCA, or Independent Mental Capacity Advocate, in that they support people who have the mental capacity to articulate their thoughts and feelings.

To explain exactly what an Independent Mental Health Advocate does and what kind of support they offer, we caught up with our Family Welfare IMHA, Chloe Aspinall. 

How does the day start for a Family Welfare IMHA? 

A typical morning begins when I log on and check my messages to see what new referrals have come in that day. I can receive referrals from relatives, healthcare and hospital clinicians, and from individual patients who self-refer.

I’ll check for updates on my open cases and make a note of any people I need to go and visit. I organise my own diary so I’ll call ahead to the hospital to make sure it’s convenient to visit the ward. Then I jump in my car and head off to that day’s appointments.

What happens when you arrive at the hospital?

When I arrive, I like to check in with the ward manager, nursing staff and clinicians to discuss new and current cases. I need to understand each individual’s circumstances and treatment needs.   

How long would an IMHA spend in hospital on an average day?

I usually see four or five people a day. The amount of time I spend on the ward depends on the number and complexity of cases. For example, if the patient is due to be discharged, our conversation may be short and sweet. If it’s a new case and the patient has a lot of concerns about their treatment, I could be with that person for up to 3 hours. I’ll be there however long it takes. Independent Mental Health Advocacy is about being there for that person when they need you.

I always leave my contact details on the ward, so if a person changes their mind or wants a follow-up conversation they can get in touch. 

Describe a typical IMHA/patient conversation

People detained under the Mental Health Act are often distressed and confused. My job is to put people at ease, encourage them to talk and listen to their concerns. If they are new to the hospital they might be frightened about potential treatment and what will happen to them. Some patients don’t quite understand why they have been admitted and/or are unable to express their views.

Every conversation is confidential and takes place in a quiet room. Common themes include concerns about the doctor or clinician treating them, confusion about medication prescribed, and worries around being discharged.

What do you do if a person is unable to express their opinions?

In a recent case, a gentleman had been admitted and English wasn’t his first language. The ward manager contacted me and asked me to visit. The hospital didn’t have access to a translator and staff were finding it very difficult to communicate with him. This clearly was very distressing for the gentleman. 

On my next visit to the hospital, I arranged to call a language line translator who helped me reassure him and explain his rights under the Mental Health Act. We discussed his options and he made a Tribunal Appeal, which resulted in him being able to leave the hospital accompanied by a member of staff.  

I managed to find someone who worked at the hospital who was able to translate all the gentleman’s medication information into his native tongue. He began to understand the benefits and possible side-effects of the medication he’d been given, which kept him informed and more confident about his treatment.  

What if a person chooses not to talk to you?

In cases where a person cannot communicate with me I rely on non-verbal communication to make a connection. Gestures, drawing, writing, and sign language are all useful. 

If a person chooses not to talk, I use a rights-based approach. This means talking with their doctor to ensure their basic rights are continuously upheld. I will always persevere and try to build a rapport with that person. Sometimes they just need a little time to find the words and express how they are feeling.    

It sounds like an emotional role. How does an advocate switch off at the end of the day?

It can be an intense job and it’s important to have boundaries. Although I leave my contact details on the ward, I do switch my phone off when I’ve finished work for the day. The Family Welfare team is very supportive if I need guidance or someone to talk to confidentially. At the end of the day, I love what I do! 

How to refer to an IMHA

An Independent Mental Health Advocate can only work with people who qualify for support. More details on the qualification criteria can be found here.   

School and college should be a safe place where children are free to learn, develop, and build friendships. In reality school isn’t always a carefree, easy experience for everyone. Problems at home, low confidence and personal trauma all limit a child’s ability to achieve their full potential, which can reflect in their behaviour and impact academic results. This is why access to a counselling service in school has never been more important.

Counselling sessions at school have significant benefits for students’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. Talking therapy is incredibly effective when life events get in the way. In fact during the pandemic, demand for our school counselling services increased and has continued to rise since restrictions were lifted. Students say access to counselling leaves them more able to cope with the pressures of daily life.     

Counselling for school and college students

A 2021 research study by the University of Roehampton and the British Association of Counselling Practitioners (BACP) found school-based counselling led to significant reductions in long-term psychological distress. It also found that pupils who were offered counselling experienced significantly improved self-esteem, and were more likely to achieve their personal goals.

The positive impacts of counselling on students are huge, with potential for social, emotional and behavioural benefits. If your school is considering bringing in independent counselling support for students, read on to discover the full extent of this impact.

Counselling to support with social issues 

Independent, confidential counselling supports school and college students struggling with a range of social issues, including:

– Seeking help with situations of bullying  

– Managing breakdowns in friendships or making new friends

– Building confidence in social situations

– Learning to communicate with teachers

Counselling for emotional support

Students seek counselling for a variety of emotional reasons, many of which originate outside of the school classroom. These include:

– Problems at home, e.g. divorce and separation  

– Personal trauma, e.g. loss of a parent or breakdown of a relationship

– Fear of the future and what it might hold

– Exam stress and anxiety over grades and performance

– Low self-esteem due to pressure from peers and/or social media

Counselling to support students with behavioural challenges

Talking therapy helps students to develop a higher level of self-awareness and identify and address the underlying issues which are sometimes at the root of behavioural problems. 

Counselling provides support for students who are:

– Feeling frustrated by or struggling with learning difficulties  

– Consumed with anger and keen to find strategies to manage this

– Battling with body confidence, self-harm or eating disorders

Why counselling in schools is so effective

Counselling at school creates perspective by putting distance between the student and the issue they want to address. This is especially important in the case of abusive relationships where young people may feel threatened by a perpetrator living at home. 

Meeting during school hours also minimises disruption to the young person’s education as they only miss one lesson. 

The counsellor’s aim is to provide a safe, private space where the student can talk openly about what’s on their mind. As the counselling relationship progresses, the student might explore strategies to cope with what’s happening in their life. Parents and family members may be involved in the process in line with the student’s wishes.   

It’s fair to say students who access counselling at school or college grow in confidence, become more resilient and experience increased self esteem.

How to access schools counselling in Wigan

Help your students to get the most our of their education by accessing our professional and effective counselling services at your school or college. Get in touch by phone on 01942 867888, email admin@familywelfare.co.uk or complete our enquiry form. The service is available to primary and secondary schools and colleges across the Wigan borough. We look forward to hearing from you.

Losing a loved one is a profound and life-altering experience. When a child loses a parent, carer or close relative, the impact of that loss is felt throughout their lifetime. Child bereavement counselling supports young people to deal with their thoughts, feelings and emotions around losing someone important. 

Bereavement support throughout the grief cycle

At Family Welfare, our counsellors support children and young people aged 5-19 who have lost a loved one. We help them understand and cope with their grief by focusing on their own health and wellbeing.

There’s no right time to access counselling support. Processing the loss of someone important in your life is a unique and individual process. If you recognise a child or young person you think would benefit from bereavement counselling, they may not be ready to talk right now. When they are, our trained child bereavement and loss counsellors are here to help.

Common feelings of grief and loss

Losing a parent or relative changes the family dynamic and leaves a hole in your life. It’s normal to wonder who will fill this hole and feel sad that the person won’t be there to share the big milestones with you. What will happen at Christmas, on birthdays and how will you cope when Mother’s or Father’s day arrives? These are all normal feelings of grief and loss and no-one should feel guilty about thinking these kind of thoughts. 

Look out for these common signs of grief in young people:

1. Not feeling anything – it’s normal to feel a bit numb in the early stages as you begin to process what’s happened.
2. Shock – you can’t quite believe that this person is no longer in your life.
3. Sadness – feeling teary and depressed, like you’ll never be happy again.
4. Anger – why them? why not me? Losing someone you love is unfair. You might try to blame someone else or the person who has died for making you feel this way.
5. Relief – a common feeling amongst young people who cared for a sick parent and knew they would lose them eventually.
6. Acceptance – knowing that you will have good days and bad days and gradually feeling able to cope with the bad days.

How counselling helps young people cope with grief

In 2021-22, 77% of young people aged 8+ who used our child bereavement and loss counselling service agreed it had improved their situation.

These are just a few of the ways counselling helps young people to manage grief:

• Sharing stories about the person you’ve lost
  Talking about the important role the person had in your life and the activities you enjoyed together in a safe and confidential space.
• Working through blockages to help you move on
  Grief is complicated. Sometimes you get stuck and feel like you can’t move on from your grief and it’s stopping you living your life. Talking about how you feel to a counsellor can help you make progress.   
• Helping you sleep better
  A good sleep pattern is key to recovery and moving through the mourning process. Getting things off your chest by sharing them with your counsellor will clear your mind so you don’t lie awake at night. 
• Learn to take care of yourself
  When you understand your emotions you learn to manage your own wellbeing and feel more able to cope with life’s challenges.

How to refer a child or young person for bereavement counselling

If you know a young person aged between 5 and 19 in the Wigan and Leigh area who is dealing with the loss of a close family member, you can refer them to our free bereavement counselling service. We accept referrals from parents, teachers and other professionals. Referring a child is simple and easy to do via our online form. 

Sessions are flexible to the needs of each child and can be accessed through school, at our counselling offices or at home. We believe no child or young person should have to deal with difficult and challenging situations alone.