Counselling provides a safe space to help people find a way forward, allowing them to find their own solutions to problems or develop better ways to manage issues. Employees can access up to 6 sessions of counselling annually.
The counsellors
The counsellors are either fully qualified or student counsellors on placement with Derbyshire County Council. The counsellors are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They work to the BACP's Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. All counsellors have regular clinical supervision.
Location
Matlock - County Hall.
Appointment times
Appointments are offered from 9am with the last appointment at 3.30pm. Appointments last 50 minutes.
How to contact the service
The service is self-referral. For all enquiries, email employee.counsellor@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 536954 during office hours. Due to high demand, there may be a waiting list at times.
Emergency support
If someone needs quick assistance, they can telephone: 111 and select option 2 if they live in Derbyshire. Other counties may also have similar services available through 111. If someone is in crisis and needs urgent assistance, they should telephone: 999.
Other support and resources
For staff who would like to access private counselling, qualified therapists can be found on the counselling directory.
For legal and financial advice, there are other organisations such as Citizens Advice who can help. Most trade unions also offer support for members.
Free confidential support services - Derbyshire
- Vita Health Group working in partnership with Everyturn (Formerly Trent PTS), telephone: 0333 041 7262 for free NHS mental health support
- Insight Healthcare, telephone: 0300 555 5580
- SHOUT text SHOUT to 85258 to access a free, confidential 24/7 text messaging support service
- Derbyshire Mental Health Support Helpline - dial 111 and select the 'mental health' option to reach the NHS helpline in your area
- CRUSE bereavement helpline:
Information for managers
Due to the confidential nature of counselling, managers cannot refer employees to the service and counsellors cannot discuss individual employees with their managers.