Providing Mental Health & Wellbeing support for Children and Young People
Our Children and Young People's Sevices
- Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service
- Counselling in Schools
- Counselling in Youth Clubs
- Counselling at St Benedict's Hospice
- Listening Ear for Parents and Carers
Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service
Sunderland Counselling Service provide counselling and wellbeing support to Children and Young People in the Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service.
We offer support for young people up to the age of 18 at the earliest signs of difficulties.
Counselling in Schools
Our goal is to for counselling to be available in every school and become a valued and helpful part of everyday school life.
- Sunderland Counselling Service works with many schools in Sunderland. These include primary schools, secondary schools and special educational provision.
- We offer counselling to pupils who need someone to talk about things like moving to a new class or school, feeling stressed or angry, friendships, bullying, feeling bad about themselves, who they are, or coping with bereavement and loss.
- Our counsellors are qualified and experienced with special training to work with children and young people.
- We talk to each school about how we can offer the best service to meet the needs of their pupils.
- Counsellors can work with pupils one‑to‑one, run small group sessions, and give advice to school staff.
How to refer:
- Teachers, parents, or the children themselves can ask for counselling.
- Younger children will need permission from their parents.
Speak to your school to find out more.
We provide counselling in the schools below:
Information for Schools
If you'd be interested to know how Sunderland Counselling Service can provide counselling in your school - we'd love to hear from you.
You can get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 0191 514 7007
Counselling in Youth Clubs with Good Vibes
- Sunderland Counselling Service provide counselling for the Good Vibes project.
- We work in youth centres and community places around Sunderland.
- We offer counselling to children and young people aged 10–19.
- Our counsellors are qualified and experienced with special training in working with children and young people.
- We offer one‑to‑one counselling or small group sessions.
How to refer:
If you are attending a good vibes space you can ask for counselling. Or your youth worker or parent can ask.
Under 13's will need permission from their parents.
Good Vibes is available at the following places:
- Oxclose and District Young People’s Project
- Community Opportunities
- Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project
- Lambton Street Youth and Community Hub
- Youth Almighty Project
- Bluewatch Youth Centre
- The Box Youth and Community Project
- North East Sport
- Sunderland Community Action Group
- YES Hendon
Children and Young People's Counselling at St Benedict's Hospice
- We offer specialist counselling for children and young people who have lost a family member that was cared for by St Benedict’s Hospice.
- Our counsellor works with parents and their children to find the best way to support them when someone has died. They can give counselling, information, and help.
- Our counsellor has lots of experience helping children and young people who are dealing with the death of someone in their family. They can also support children who are worried because a family member is very ill and may die soon.
If you want to know more or make an appointment, you can talk to a member of staff at St Benedict’s Hospice or contact the Bereavement Counselling Service on 0191 512 8400
Listening Ear for Parents and Carers
By helping adults feel better, everyone in the family will benefit.
- Listening Ear is for parents and carers of children who get help from Sunderland Community Children and Young People's Mental Health Service (SCCYPMHS).
- We supports adults who need short‑term emotional or practical help during this time.
- Some parents and carers may struggle with their own mental health, feel worried about their child, or face problems with things like money or housing. Listening Ear gives parents and carers someone to talk to and helps them find the right services for themselves and the family.
- We can offer emotional support, self‑help information, and guide parents and carers to other services.
- Our link worker is based at Sunderland Counselling Service but can meet parents in different places across the city.
How to refer:
Referrals come from SCCYPMHS staff for parents who need support.
Five Ways to Well-being
This video was made by children and young people to help share the SCCYPMHS message about how the 5 ways to wellbeing can positively impact your mental health
"I’m not getting in to fights at home and I’m concentrating better in school. I’m not angry and I can think straight again.”
"The counsellor made all the difference, she was incredible, caring, empathetic and funny she actually cared about us as a family. She is a credit to the team and we’re sad to leave her she did leave a lasting impression"
“Counselling was helpful in giving my child a place to explore her feelings after my sudden illness and the loss of her dad, her behaviour has improved and she seems much happier in herself.”
Feedback for our Children and Young People's Services