To find out more, to arrange an initial discussion or to gain further information about other health & welfare services provided by the County Council telephone 01392 383277.

Introduction
The Employee Counselling Service has evolved as a result of the growing realisation that the success of any organisation is critically dependent on the skill and commitment of its workforce. People are a key resource and expenditure on their development, motivation, health, safety and welfare represents as much an investment for the future as a current cost. The management of that investment is recognised as a key organisational activity.

Counselling for headteachers, teachers and support staff in schools
Whilst some may have access to counselling through the school counselling service, this may not be accessible or appropriate for all needs and in all circumstances. A free counselling service, provided by trained counsellors from outside the education service, is available to everyone working in Devon's schools.

What does the service offer?
The Devon County Council Employee Counselling Service is available to help you with work related or personal problems and recognises that both can cause stress and concern, and impact on both work performance and personal life. The nature of work within a school setting often means spending long periods in professional isolation and heavy workloads usually mean there is limited time in which to discuss issues and concerns with colleagues. Most of us will sometimes encounter unresolved issues, feelings of not knowing which way to turn, or an aspect of our lives we find difficult to talk about. In such situations it is often helpful to confide in someone outside our immediate environment, who can provide the space and opportunity for us to express our thoughts and feelings. Counselling does not claim to give instant solutions. Rather, it helps by enabling us to seek and find our own answers.

What arrangements will be made for counselling?
Employees have access to up to 4 sessions (a session lasts about one hour) and the counsellor will arrange an initial assessment interview, to give you an opportunity to decide whether counselling is appropriate to your needs. If you wish to continue, the counsellor will discuss with you how the sessions may be arranged in terms of time, location and spacing (e.g. weekly, fortnightly etc.). You may wish to see a counsellor close to your workplace or home, or you may prefer to see someone outside your "patch". The Service will endeavour to meet your requirements as far as practicable. You may wish to see a counsellor with experience in a particular field and, again, this may be possible through the Service or it may be more appropriate to refer you to another agency.

How confidential is the service?
The Employee Counselling Service has adopted a code of practice which every counsellor working on its behalf is required to abide by at all times. The general rule is that everything divulged is treated in strict confidence unless agreed otherwise with the employee.