Butterflies offers one-to-one and group counselling for those affected by bereavement.

The following criteria determine whether Listening Ear is able to accept a referral:

  • Age 4 to 17 years (up to age 25 with SEND), attends a St Helens School and has a St Helens Postcode
  • Age 4 to 17 years (up to age 25 with SEND), attends a St Helens School and is registered with a St Helens GP
  • Age 4 to 17 years (up to age 25 with SEND), attends a St Helens School has a Knowsley GP and Knowsley Postcode (this work is funded via Children in Need)

 

Butterflies also offers one-to-one counselling for people of all ages affected by suicide bereavement.

To accept a referral, the individual must be a resident of:

  • Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Portsmouth

 

Listening Ear’s suicide liaison workers can also make a referral to counselling for people of all ages affected by suicide bereavement.

To accept a referral, the individual must be a resident of:

  • Cheshire & Merseyside
  • Coventry & Warwickshire
  • Lincolnshire
  • South Yorkshire (from April 2024)

If you feel that you, or someone you know would benefit from counselling due to their experiences of suicide bereavement, refer them to our Amparo (suicide postvention service) here in the first instance.

 

When might Listening Ear not accept a referral for counselling?

Where adoption, being a Looked After Child (outside of St Helens), Sex Offending, Sexual Assault or Eating Disorders are part of the referral, we would advise that a referral is made through a specialist counselling service.

If there is a complex, diagnosed mental health disorder, or mention of drug or alcohol use, recent self-harm, suicidal ideation or involvement with the crisis team as part of the referral, we would need more information before progressing. In some cases, we may advise that a referral is made through the Mental Health Trusts.

 

What happens when counselling ends?

Listening Ear offers group counsellor-facilitated Aftercare when counselling sessions end. Please see full details here.

 

How to refer:

Anyone can make a referral to any of the above services here.

 

The idea of therapy might seem daunting to adults and children. Worrying about talking or getting upset, or general anxiety about sharing your thoughts can feel off-putting. However, talking things through with a counsellor can be really powerful in helping with recovery.

Listening Ear provides a comfortable and supportive environment, with counsellors who are trained to support you throughout your time with us. We’ll provide the support you need to work through your problems, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

  • "Helped me in every way"
  • "I feel much better having talked things out & better able to manage feelings that have been causing me distress"
  • "I have wanted to come here, and I have looked forward to coming every week"
  • "Has helped me to speak more about my emotions"
  • "When I'm down and I think about the things she said can help me and it works"
  • "I have been able to control anger more"
  • "I get better scores in my maths"
  • "My son has thoroughly enjoyed this experience, It is the one extra-curricular activity that he is genuinely excited about"
  • "The teacher has spoken to me (Mum) about my child being more confident in class and also more polite in putting his hand up and caring with other children"
  • "I feel I now have the tools to be able to help my Son understand his bereavement and also any other issues he may be having"

Key information 2018/19:

  • 87% of those completing therapy evidenced improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes scores
  • 100% (responding to end of service evaluations) reported that the service had helped them
  • 76% of parents and carers completing end of service satisfaction reports stated that their child’s health and wellbeing had improved at home and school
  • 90% of CYP reported that they were more able to concentrate in school following therapy
  • 6% of adult respondents rated their wellbeing level 5 (very good) or level 4 prior to counselling. Following counselling this rose to 69%.