EDC COUNSELLING SERVICE

In light of lockdown arrangements, The Scottish Government has advised local authorities to set up a counselling service for young people aged 10 and above. In EDC, all young people aged 10 and over who are on the roll of an East Dunbartonshire Council school, can access a telephone helpline and counselling service.

The service is being provided by two well established organisations who are highly experienced in supporting children and young people.

Young people in the catchment of Bishopbriggs Academy, Kirkintilloch High School, Lenzie Academy and St Ninian’s High School should contact the helpline provided by The Spark on 0808 802 0044.

Young people aged 10 and 11 will need to have parental consent before speaking to a counsellor and each provider will ensure parental consent is gained before they proceed. Young people, age 12 and over, do not need parental consent and can access the service independently.

Although this service is open to all young people, in Lenzie Academy we already have a highly valued service provided by our existing counsellor. We would not expect pupils currently receiving counselling from our school based counsellor to access this new service since working with a new counsellor may add unnecessary confusion at a difficult time for a young person. The service is there to 'compliment' what we already have in place and so those who are struggling with the consequences of the lockdown and the lack of structure / lack of freedom resultant from this might seek to access some support via this new service.

Further Information on the service is set out in the Information Sheet here.