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ARC - youth counselling service
- Not sure if what you have been told is true
- Don't know which way to turn?
- Do you need someone to talk to?
- Someone who cares
- Someone who won't judge you
- Someone in confidence
We are here to listen at ARC
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 10pm
We are open for appointments during these hours. Sometimes all our staff are busy and we are not able to answer the telephones, so please call back or leave us a message. The best times to make a booking are between 12 midday and 4pm.
Our service operates from an annexe off Wokingham Youth and Community Centre opposite St. Paul's Church.
What is counselling?
Counselling is about helping you make sense of thoughts and feelings so that you can then make choices about what to do to bring about changes in your life.
Who is it for?
ARC is primarily funded by Wokingham Borough Council Youth and Community Service and therefore has a responsibility towards young people. However, no one is turned away. In fact, a large percentage of those who come are aged 21 and over.
What kind of problems do we deal with?
Our counsellors focus on you, the person and how you feel about what is happening in your life. Whatever the problem is, they will not be shocked by anything you tell them. They will listen and empower you to decide how you want to move forward.
Are the counsellors trained?
Our counsellors go through a very careful selection process and are trained by highly qualified professionals. They have to show competence in every aspect of counselling before they can work at ARC. They are required to keep their skills up-to-date by attending several training courses each year.
Code of ethics and practice?
We are a member of the British Association for Counsellors - BAC - who have a Code of Ethics and Practice for Counsellors. Copies are available on request. If we break these codes, you have the right to make a formal complaint to the BAC.
What if someone who knows me wants to know about my visits?
No one outside of ARC is given information about you unless you wish it. This even applies when someone else suggests you should come to ARC for counselling, such as your parents, your doctor, a social worker, etc.
What kind of advice can I get from ARC?
The short answer to this is none. Counsellors do not give advice. As an agency we believe that only you know what is right for you. We also realise that it is often very hard to decide what is best to do and the counsellor's job is to enable you to come to a clearer understanding of this, without putting pressure on you one way or another.
We also offer you information, when this is appropriate, to help you come to a decision.
My problems seem small in comparison with other people
We do not make comparisons, if you are feeling troubled, then your are very welcome to come and talk things through with us. You are not a failure, if you feel the need to share your troubles with a counsellor, in fact, it shows that you want things sorted out and that you want the best for yourself.
Counselling can also help in preventing small difficulties escalating into huge problems.
What if it's not me but someone else who needs help?
We can enable you to look at how another person actions and behaviour leaves you feeling. We can also help you decide how to manage things and what you might need to tell the other person. We cannot make someone come for help.
What if I've been sent to ARC, but don't want counselling?
No one will make you do anything against your wishes. You will be able to tell your counsellor if you are not happy about being at ARC and he or she will understand and not attempt to make you stay.
What will happen when I telephone for an appointment?
If you telephone during opening hours, you will be able to make an appointment which will usually be within a week of you contacting ARC.
If you telephone when we are closed, you will be able to leave a message on the answerphone. This will be responded to when the office is open again. You can be sure of a friendly reception when you telephone and someone who will listen to you, even if it is difficult to explain what you need.
How much does it cost?
Our service is free. All counsellors at ARC are volunteers. Of course, we have running costs, but we are fund-raising to supplement our grant from the local authority. We do not ask you for money, but if you wish to make a donation to us, we will receive it gratefully.
How are we funded?
We are supported by Wokingham Borough Council, National Lottery, Wokingham Town Council, and client donations amongst others.
