Post Diagnosis Support Service

How can we help?

If you are trying to come to terms with a progressive neurological condition such as Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons etc. or you are a carer for someone who has a condition, then the Post Diagnosis Support Service can help you.

Areas covered: Burntwood, Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.

What we do

Information

If you would like to know more about a newly diagnosed condition or find out what support is available, the service can provide information and advice about agencies available within your area.

Support

The service can provide a ‘listening ear’, someone you can talk to in confidence to help you come to terms with your condition.

Counselling

Counselling can help you to make some sort of sense of what is happening to you as well as supporting you through difficult times in your life. Confidential counselling is also available with Vicky Acaster our Post Diagnosis Support Worker (and a fully trained counsellor)

What to expect when you see a qualified counsellor

If you are not sure what counselling is all about, here is some information that may help to answer some of your questions.

What does a counsellor do?

Vicky works within the guidelines set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) of which she am a member (MBACP). She will provide a safe and supportive environment where she will listen to you. She will not judge you or tell you what to do but will explore with you your thoughts and feelings as you try to make sense of what is happening and begin to move forward.

What happens at the first session?

The first session is called ‘the assessment’. This gives us the opportunity to see if we want to work together. You will be able to ask questions and raise any worries you may have about counselling. Vicky will also tell you more about what is involved in the counselling process. You will have the opportunity to talk and together we will begin to focus on the issues that are concerning you.

How many sessions will I need?

If, at our first meeting, we decide that counselling may be of help to you, we can arrange to meet on a regular basis. You will be offered up to 6 sessions initially, however this will be reviewed as the counselling progresses. If for some reason you are unable to keep the counselling appointment, please let Vicky know as soon as possible so that we can make alternative arrangements.

When you have had your last counselling session

Vicky will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire; this will provide valuable feedback on your experience of counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

All information given by you to CASS staff is confidential and is discussed only as necessary with the Adult Team Manager or Chief Officer in order to support you or the person you care for. Any disclosures of confidential information to any other person may only be undertaken at your request and with your permission, except when considered necessary for the protection of a child or vulnerable adult. In these cases the CASS staff member must first discuss the information with the Adult Team Manager, Young Carers Team Manager or Chief Officer and action may possibly be taken.

Concerns or complaints about the counselling service

Please feel able to talk this through with me. If you feel this is not appropriate, please contact Mrs G Wyatt, Chief Officer, Carers Association Southern Staffordshire, The Carers Centre, Austin Friars, Stafford ST17 4AP, who will discuss the matter with you.

Serious complaints may be discussed with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 1 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PJ.

Vicky Acaster

Post Diagnosis Support Worker (and a fully qualified counsellor)

Contact: 01543 301140 or 01785 606675

email: vicky.acaster@carersinformation.org.uk

Click here for more information:

Post Diagnosis Support Service Leaflet

Post Diagnosis Support Service Counselling Service leaflet

Post Diagnosis Support Service poster