Counselling and wellbeing

We provide confidential, professional counselling to support clergy, their spouses, and their families in times of personal difficulty. The service will fund up to 12 sessions by a dedicated trust, is independent of church structures and offers support for individuals, couples, and families. Licensed lay Readers and some other ministerial roles are able to use the service at the discretion of the Adviser in Counselling and Wellbeing.

Common issues addressed

Relationship difficulties
Bullying
Stress at home
Depression, anxiety, or mental health concerns
Loss and bereavement
Financial worries
Addictions
Fatigue, insomnia, or overwork
Unresolved traumas
Adjusting to change
Long-term illness
Low self-esteem

How it works

Sally Walters, the service adviser, is available to discuss any concerns, big or small. After an initial conversation, she may arrange a further meeting or refer you to a qualified therapist who works in a self-employed capacity for the diocese and who will have specialisms in varying areas of psychological help. Help available includes child, adolescent and couples counselling. Therapists have insight into pressures faced by those in ministry and hold up-to-date enhanced DBS disclosure.

Useful contacts

Looking for support?

If you are looking for support, please contact Sally Walters, Adviser in Counselling and Wellbeing. It is usual that an enquiry is responded to as soon as possible. However, there will be occasions when Sally is working away or on annual leave. If you need immediate help, please consider other options to support you until Sally can meet with you.

Options if you are feeling desperate

Call your GP and ask for an urgent appointment
Call 111
Call 999 or go to A & E
Talk with a member of your family, a colleague or a friend
Feel free to share your situation with an archdeacon

The following numbers may provide helpful resources

Samaritans, 24-hour freephone helpline, 116123

Young Minds, text ‘Shout’ to 85258

Young Minds Parents Helpline, open 9.30 am-4 pm Mon/Thu/Fri and 9.30 am-6 pm Tue/Wed, 0808 8025544, email: parents@youngminds.org.uk (may take 3-5 days to respond)

Somerset Mindline, 24-hour support for emotional and mental health, 0800 138 692

Resources for domestic violence/abuse

National Domestic Abuse Helpline for women, 24-hour freephone helpline, 0808 2000 247

Respect Men’s Advice Line for men, freephone helpline, 0808 801 0327

Childline, for young people under 19, 0800 111

Who to contact

Sally Walters, Adviser in Counselling and Wellbeing. See also 'Useful contacts' above, where you can find immeditate support.

Downloads

Financial support is also available to clergy in Bath and Wells, download the documents below to find out more:

Grants available for clergy in the Diocese of Bath & Wells

Counselling and wellbeing policy and procedure

Counselling and wellbeing leaflet

Safeguarding suicide prevention guidance