The confidential Counselling Service operates for four hours a week and can be either face to face, online or over the phone as this flexibility allows both privacy and equal access for all.
There is a high prevalence of a history of trauma in the homeless population, 77% for men and 85% for women (Goodman, Saxe, & Harvey 1991; Roos et al., 2013).
The aims of this service are:
- To support individuals to navigate historical and current trauma with a professional counsellor, in a safe and managed way.
- To support individuals wellbeing and emotional needs.
- To bridge a gap between individuals and primary and secondary mental health services where needed.
- To reduce potential barriers to individuals accessing and sustaining affordable housing by giving them a space to talk confidentially, develop new coping strategies and self-advocate.
- To reduce the stigma and misinformation attached to the homeless and vulnerably housed community accessing psychological support.
This service area is a partnership approach between the Gatehouse and St Giles Church, and it is part funded by the Oxford Diocese.
