Every day, Caritas social workers partner with schools across the diocese to help pupils overcome issues through one-to-one and group counselling.

Robyn (not real name), 14, had trouble accepting the deaths of two close family members. Her high school, which commissioned our Schools Social Work Service, arranged for one of our social workers to come and chat to her. “I didn’t know what to expect, and it was difficult opening up to Georgina, the counsellor, at first. Felt like I had this big burden sitting on my chest. My mum doesn’t handle alcohol so well, so I couldn’t exactly talk to her, you know? These feelings brought up a bad experience I had when I was younger and was affecting my relationship with my boyfriend. Felt pretty low and didn’t know how to cope.

Georgina helped me to be more confident in myself and my choices, express my feelings and to do more things, even little things, for me. I feel like I can ask for help when I need it. My relationship with my mum has improved, and I definitely feel more in control of my life.”

If your school is interested in this service, contact Georgina: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it