The day to day work of the Leicester Counselling Centre is delivered by a large team of Volunteer Counsellors, overseen by three staff members: A Director, Counselling Lead and an Administrator. A team of Volunteer Receptionists assist in the day to day tasks and support the smooth running of the Centre. An Executive Committee meet monthly to focus on the strategic development of the Centre, working alongside the Director to ensure that it continues to meet the need of its local community.
Volunteer Team
Volunteer Counsellor Team
Our team of 85 volunteer counsellors are all qualified or nearing the end of their training. All our counsellors are trained to diploma, graduate or postgraduate level and have gone through a very careful selection process. Our counsellors are experienced in a wide range of issues. Their clinical work is regularly supervised and monitored according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s (BACP) ethical code of practice.
Volunteer Receptionist Team
Our team of 14 volunteer receptionists provide day to day reception and administration support. Their tasks include greeting clients as they attend their counselling appointments, handling donations, answering the telephone and diary management. They all provide their time voluntarily and are an invaluable help to the staff and counsellors.
Staff Team
Hannah
Clinical Director
Hannah has worked at the Leicester Counselling Centre since 2019, after managing another voluntary counselling organisation for 12 years. She is a qualified and experienced psychodynamic counsellor and supervisor and has practiced in voluntary and private settings. She has a passion for the incredible contribution that the voluntary sector makes to mental health service provision and for ensuring support is accessible to all.
Anne
Counselling Lead
Anne Joined the Leicester Counselling Centre staff team in November 2022. She first came to the centre as a placement counsellor in 2010 and stayed as a volunteer until 2014. She now returns to the centre as an accredited psychodynamic counsellor, having gained experience in both the private and voluntary sectors.
Sharon
Administrator
Sharon has worked at The Leicester Counselling Centre since 2006. She enjoys working alongside the dedicated team of volunteer receptionists and counsellors and overseeing the smooth running of the office.
Executive Committee
Kay
Chair
Kay is a counsellor and coach, with a background in directing and consulting on change programmes for global companies, as well as running a small business. She volunteers as a counsellor at the Centre.
Tony
Vice-Chair
Tony trained in Existential Psychotherapy and has since completed a number of different trainings, including trauma work and Coherence Therapy. He has worked with clients who have addiction problems since 1996, and from 2004 to 2017, he was Course Director of the Leicester University Foundation Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counselling. He has been a volunteer since 2015, and he also works as a volunteer at a drug and alcohol rehab in Nottingham. Tony regards counselling as the most fascinating activity anyone could ever take part in.
Nayan
Treasurer
Nayan joined the Leicester Counselling Centre as treasurer in April 2022. He studied International Business at Aston University and subsequently qualified as a chartered accountant in 2020.
Lisa
Director
Lisa is Frontline’s Chief Social Worker and joined the charity in 2016. She is a registered social worker, leader and educator with over 27 years’ experience of direct work with children and adults in the statutory, private, charitable and academic sectors. She has worked in child protection, adult mental health, fostering, the youth offending service, Women’s Aid and residential social work. She has held positions as a senior lecturer in social work (Leicester university 2010–2012), Head of Community and Criminal Justice (De Montfort University 2012–2015) and Head of Social Work and Youth and Community Development (De Montfort University 2015–2016). Where and when possible, Lisa continues to try and engage in practice, specifically in the field of mental health.
Salma
Director
Salma joined Leicester Counselling Centre in 2021 as a placement volunteer counsellor whilst studying for an MSc in Integrative Counselling. After qualifying she has continued working here and in private practice. She comes from a professional background in teaching and training.
Victoria
Director
While pursuing a BSc in Humanistic Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, Victoria began working at Leicester Counselling Centre in 2020 as a volunteer counsellor on placement. Victoria stayed in touch with the centre even after she received her degree because she respects its guiding principles and values. She comes from a background of working with children and young people.
Adrian
Director
Adrian joined Leicester Counselling Centre in 2016 as a placement volunteer counsellor whilst studying for a Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling at the University of Leicester. After graduating he has continued working as a volunteer as well as in his own private practice. Adrian comes from a background of management accounting in the manufacturing industry.