• treat you with respect.
  
  
• do our best to offer regular, uninterrupted appointments, usually lasting approximately 50 minutes and always with the same counsellor, at a time and frequency agreed by yourself and your counsellor.
  
  
• give as much notice as possible if your counsellor is unavoidably absent or delayed and if appropriate we will re-arrange, or offer an appointment with a different counsellor
  
  
• review and discuss the counselling work with you on a regular basis
  
  
• offer you the opportunity of attending a group counselling session if this is preferred, either as an alternative, or in addition to, individual sessions.

• We keep records, coded to maintain confidentiality, in a safe secure place. Any information will be destroyed after six years. Except where the counsellor has sought your permission to keep session notes for on-going professional development, no written records are made of the material you have discussed.
  
  In accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) you have the right to see any of your records on request.
  
• It is our policy that we offer confidentiality. No-one will be informed that you are attending for counselling unless we have your permission, nor will we tell anyone what you have spoken about in your session. There are two exceptions to this, one is supervision – see below –and the other is regarding risk of serious harm. This is fully explained in our statement of confidentiality, which is available to you on request.
  
  
• All of our counsellors receive supervision (but not during the counselling session). Supervision is an integral part of good counselling practice which helps monitor counselling skills and practice.

• a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings
  
• a private, confidential service
  
• counselling and support by trained, supervised counsellors
  

Please note : The Dudson Centre has full access for wheelchair users and has a lift for people who cannot use the stairs.

The Dove Service currently has six outreach posts in Staffordshire at The Ashcombe Centre, Leek, The Sutherland Centre, Longton, The Central Outpatients Department, (The University of North Staffs Hospital) Newcastle, Lymebrook Mental Health Centre, Newcastle and Bradwell Hospital, Newcastle and Crewe, Cheshire.

If you would like to make an appointment at one of the following outreach centres then please contact The Dove Service on 01782 683153 / 683155 to make a referral and to specify which outreach post you would like to attend.

The Dove Service at The Dudson Centre:
Monday, Wednesday & Thurdsday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Tuesday 9.00 am –6.00 pm, (children's drop in centre from 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm)
Friday 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

The Ashcombe Centre
Tuesday 9.00 am – 12.00 am

The Sutherland Centre
Wednesday only 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm

The Central Outpatients Department
Tuesday only 1.00 am – 4.30 pm

Lymebrook Mental Health Centre
Thursday night only 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Bradwell Hospital
Friday only 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Crewe
Tuesday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 12.00pm

The Dove Service offers training to professionals we are able to offer training on a variety of topics, including :-

* We offer training to professionals such as carers, associations, nurses, CPN’s, GP receptionists *

* Training packages can be designed to meet individual / organisational needs *

* A training workshop can take place over a whole day or half day *

* Training is delivered by fully qualified and trained counsellors and facilitators *

* Costs can be negotiated for example, for charitable organisations *

For further details please contact the Counselling Services Manager on 01782 683153 / 683155