Support Line Services
In 1990 Support Line was set up to offer a professional and confidential counselling facility to staff of Kent County Council. The service has since developed and now Support Line Service offers counselling, coaching and mediation not only to KCC staff but to other public sector Organisations in Kent.
One of the core priciples underpinning the service is the belief that an appropriate intervention at the appropriate time helps the wellbeing of the employee. Support Line Services endeavour to assist individuals to meet both personal and professional challenges within the workplace thus enhancing work performance.
The Support line Service team based at Kings Hill, West malling, is the initial point of contact for callers. The phone line is staffed Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
Support Line Counselling offers staff up to a maximum of 7 sessions of counselling a year. Ther service is paid for by your employer as part of their commitment to staff care. The first session is an assessment which allows you and the counsellor to find out what help you require.
Each one-hour session is normally offered once a week but may be spread over a longer period where appropriate.
How can Counselling Help?
- Counselling can help by clarifying what the problem is and how it is affecting you
- Helping you to find out the most appropriate way of managing your problem
- Helping you to identify sources of stress and how to deal with them effectively
- Helping you cope with major life changes and traumatic events
- Looking at what is possible for you to achieve
- Encouraging you to identify other sources of support
- Encouraging you to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
Is the service confidential?
Yes, the service is confidential.
All counsellors abide by the British Associaiton for Counselling Code of Ethics and Practice, which specifies a rigorous code on confidentiality.
Where will the counselling take place?
We aim to offer you a location that is near where you live or work. We have over 50 counselling venues throughout Kent and so you will usually not have to travel very far for your appointments.
How we maintain the quality of our service.
At the end of your first and last sessions, you will be handed a questionnaire by the counsellor along with a pre-paid envelope addressed to Support Line.
We statistically analyse how the service is being used, the perceived quality of the service and if people find their counselling helpful. The information you give is managed confidentially. It provides statistics only and individuals cannot be identified.
What if counselling is not what I need?
In looking for help and support counselling may not be the most appropriate service to meet your needs. Support Line offers a broad range of services that may be more suited to your requirements.
If you would like to arrange counselling please contact the team on 01622 605539 or complete the Information sheet and e-mail it to the confidential support Line inbox
Support Line, Commercial Services Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4QG
Tel : 01622 605539 Fax : 01732 875792 E-Mail : supportline@kent.gov.uk