Three housing organisations are helping to ensure a student focused counselling service in Kidbrooke has all the tools it requires.
Southern Housing Group/ASRA Greater London Housing Association and Berkeley Homes have each funded £250 towards furnishings in four counselling rooms at the new Thomas Tallis School.
The funds will be used to purchase cushions, games, art supplies and materials for students’ use during counselling sessions. The largest room will also be equipped with a sofa, extra pillows and a punch bag.
Thomas Tallis secondary school caters for students from Year 7 to 13. Following a two year intensive build programme the school moved to a new modern facility last October located at Kidbrooke Village.
The school, which has over 1,600 students, offers a free counselling service to staff, students and parents with four part time qualified psychotherapists and 18 volunteers. The service, which has been running for over 15 years, has been a model for other school counselling services.
School Counsellor Mario Jerome said: “We want students to feel they are in a secure and safe place that is welcoming and comfortable, so the contribution from Southern Housing Group and Berkeley Homes is very much appreciated”.
Southern Housing Group Senior Community Regeneration Officer for Kidbrooke, James Rogers, said: “The school’s counselling service is a valuable resource for both students and staff. The Group is delighted to contribute funding to help ensure the rooms are a comfortable and secure venue for counselling sessions to take place.”
Chairman of Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance), John Anderson, said: “This joint funding package demonstrates Berkeley Homes ongoing commitment to the community at Kidbrooke Village. These soft furnishings will help make the excellent facilities at Thomas Tallis secondary school welcoming and calming to pupils and staff who access the counselling rooms.”
Mario said the school also operated a mediation service and “Circle Times” groups for Year 7 students to assist their transition from primary to secondary school.
“The Circle Times, and the fact that students can self refer, reduces any stigma that is sometimes attached to counselling services.”
Kidbrooke Village is a £1 billion project involving the transformation of the former Ferrier Estate in South East London into a vibrant and sustainable mixed-use community. The regeneration is being delivered in partnership by Greenwich Council, Berkeley Homes, the Homes and Communities Agency, Southern Housing Group and Asra Greater London Housing Association.