Children's counselling
Bank Workers Charity provides free, confidential counselling for school-age children and young people up to 18 through our partnership with The Exchange.
What The Exchange offers
- Counselling for school-age children up to 18
- In-person or online sessions
- Support with a wide range of issues, including bullying, self-esteem, anxiety, self-harm, bereavement, family difficulties and more
- A variety of therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, drama and play
- A safe, confidential and non-judgemental space
How it works
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental wellbeing, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll talk through your circumstances and the support available.
If you’re eligible for counselling through The Exchange, here’s what happens next:
- Talk to your child: Before we make a referral, please check that they’re happy to take part in counselling.
- Initial conversation: The Exchange will call you to discuss your child’s needs. Save 0330 202 0283 to your phone so you know it’s them calling.
- Meet the counsellor: Your child will have an introductory meeting, which you can join if you’d like.
- Counselling begins: Your child will have five sessions, each lasting around 50 minutes, at times arranged to suit you.
- Regular check-ins: The Exchange will check in with you partway through the counselling and again at the end.
Need to rearrange a session?
Please give at least 48 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice, or missed without letting The Exchange know, will count towards the five sessions available.
A note on confidentiality
For children aged 12 and under, counsellors may check in with parents or teachers to see how your child is doing outside of sessions. For children over 12, sessions are private – parents won’t be told what their child has discussed. In all cases, your child’s safety comes first.
All The Exchange counsellors are qualified and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Your privacy matters
Bank Workers Charity and The Exchange treat everything you share with us as confidential. We won’t pass on your information to third parties without your permission, unless we’re required to by law, or where there’s a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult.
