At Lighthouse, our desire is to make counselling as accessible as possible and we understand that many people are facing financial challenges at present. We use donations and funds we generate from our activities to reduce the cost of counselling for those facing particular financial challenges. Maintaining (and increasing over time) our ability to provide this sort of support where it is required is an important objective for us.

We want to make sure that the funds we have available are used fairly and appropriately. This policy describes how we go about considering requests for reduced cost counselling sessions for those on a low income. If this applies to you, we encourage you to contact us. We consider each case carefully and in strict confidence.

We allocate our subsidy funding on a basis of need. Our heart is to enable all who would benefit from counselling to be able to do so. We review each case on its merits reflecting the circumstances and needs of the person. In general, we aim to assist individuals receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credit, and Pension Credit. Beyond that, we take into account factors including:

• The needs of the person and the potential of counselling to assist them

• The wider circumstances of the person including potential affordability issues such as their wider financial circumstances and commitments

• Whether an individual has received subsidised counselling at Lighthouse before; priority will be given to those who have not previously benefitted from the scheme

• Whether the person applying for counselling is part of our local community. As a community counselling service, priority will be given to those living locally to our service

Other individuals who can provide evidence of low income or other circumstances leading to financial hardship are welcome to apply for subsidised counselling. Our experience is that people do not always value things which are totally free so, except in exceptional circumstances, we always expect a contribution from clients towards their counselling.

Potential clients seeking subsidised counselling under the subsidised counselling policy are asked to submit an application. As part of the application, we would need to see evidence of low income. Acceptable forms of evidence include:

• Documentation confirming receipt of means-tested benefits.

• Any other relevant documentation demonstrating low income.

While evidence of low income is required for eligibility, our charity recognizes the importance of client confidentiality. We will not retain copies of the evidence provided by clients. Evidence submitted by clients will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining eligibility and will not be shared with third parties.

Once someone has completed the application process and submitted evidence of eligibility, a discussion about affordability will take place with the potential client, usually as part of their Initial Consultation. Clients will be expected to contribute towards the cost of their counselling sessions and the amount of the contribution will be agreed on a case-by-case basis during the initial consultation. The final decision as to whether to offer subsidised counselling is at the discretion of Lighthouse Counselling.

Clients approved for counselling under the subsidised counselling policy will be entitled to up to 12 sessions of subsidised counselling. At times there may be a waiting list for clients approved for subsidised counselling, and clients will be notified of the approximate waiting time.

Subsidised counselling sessions will be provided by qualified counsellors or those completing professional counselling qualifications. The content and focus of the counselling sessions will be determined in collaboration between the client and the assigned counsellor. Clients are encouraged to actively participate in the counselling process and provide feedback to ensure the effectiveness of the sessions.

This subsidised Counselling Policy may be revised or updated periodically to reflect changes in legislation, funding, or other relevant factors. Clients will be informed of any significant changes to the policy in a timely manner.

18/5/24