User Involvement         Services for Carers      Counselling/Information        

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Welcome to Banff & Buchan Voluntary Counselling Service

(commonly known as BBVCS)

We provide:

  • individual and confidential counselling (we adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework)

  • counselling in and around Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, and Mintlaw

  • a service for anyone affected by emotional or mental distress

  • a free service but, being a charity, the organisation relies heavily on donations, which are very gratefully received

  • in-house training for prospective volunteer counsellors

  

 

  

How to contact us:-

  • call the administrator on 01779 470163 to arrange an initial meeting

  • the calls are answered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday  9am-1pm (otherwise voicemail service – messages can be left)

  • via e-mail admin.bbvcs@mhaberdeen.org.uk

  • by fax to: 01779 470107

  • by post to:-  51 King St,  Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, AB42 1TA  ( to arrange an appointment or to pay donations)

Who we are:-

  • a group of trained counsellors available in your local area

  • the counsellors work in a non-judgemental, honest, and empathic way

  • the work is carried out using ethical principles and all counsellors receive regular supervision for their counselling practice

  • a warm and friendly reception will await you when you contact us

  

 
     

 

  

How does counselling work? 

  • it is based on the relationship formed with the counsellor through the sharing of problems and feelings

  • it provides space to talk and time for feedback which will eventually enable you to form your own conclusions, find a way forward, and take action for yourself

  • provides relief through talking without being ridiculed or judged and within a warm, honest and confidential relationship

  • it is not about receiving advice or being diagnosed but making changes in your life as feels right for you

    

Fundraising     

Our volunteer counsellors are the mainstay of BBVCS, so a lot of our fundraising goes to support their work through training, supervision, and paying “token” expenses.

We are always looking for creative ways to make money and one of our staff made several batches of delicious candy floss which not only looked very decorative but sold well at local events too.

 
     
 

A couple of our supporters helped us to raise £200 at the Peterhead

Harbour Open day. The success of the day was our Tombola Stall as many folk donated some lovely prizes which attracted people to “try their luck” at our stall.

 

Another recent successful fundraising idea was a “Summertime Quiz” which was bought by people far and wide.  A roaring trade was done on one of the rigs offshore and we are very grateful for all the support we received.  The final tally for this enterprise will be in the region of £500, and many of us had lots of fun completing the quiz too.

  
 

We are keen to recruit supporters to our organisation who would focus on helping with fundraising and special events. Please do contact us if you feel you have the time and creative ideas to help us in this essential task.

Tel: 01779 470163

e-mail: admin.bbvcs@mhaberdeen.org.uk

                

September 2009: VOLUNTEER COUNSELLORS WANTED!  

Are you the kind of person who is trusted by those around you and spend a lot of your time listening and helpling other people with their problems?

Do you have time on your hands and want to give back to the community in a way which is both rewarding and inspiring?

If your answer to these questions is "yes", would you consider joining our well established, community minded, local counselling agency?

Training, which is free of charge, will be starting in late October 2009 and lasts approximately 7-8 months, running over nine weekends.  The training will take place in Aberdeen City but we are looking for people who live in the Banff and Buchan area to join our existing band of volunteer counsellors.

BBVCS, which is a project of Mental Health Aberdeen, has existed in Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Banff since the 1990s.  In partnership with Aberdeenshire Council it prides itself on offering a highly professional service, free of charge, to the people of Banff and Buchan, thanks to the dedication of its staff and loyal team of volunteers.

Please call for more information if you are interested: 01779 470163

E-mail: admin.bbvcs@mhaberdeen.org.uk.

The cut-off date for returning applications is 25 September 2009.

Please see also our Vacancies page for this and other volunteering opportunities.