Quartet of graduations for counselling charity

A counselling charity is now qualified to offer even better support after four of its staff graduated from Teesside University.

Dorothy Irving, Linda Sample, Jackie McPike and Jenn Tilley all work for the Women’s Support Network (WSN) and Jigsaw. They all completed their degree at Redcar and Cleveland College HE Centre.

WSN and Jigsaw, a registered charity based in Middlesbrough, offer free and confidential counselling and support to those who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse.

Counselling services manager Dorothy Irving, 53, from Norton, and Linda Sample, 53, from Great Ayton, a part-time counsellor, were awarded BA (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling. Their colleagues, Jackie McPike, 43, from Stockton and Jenn Tilley, 57, from Skelton, both volunteer counsellors, gained their foundation degrees in counselling at the same ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 24 November.

Dorothy said she is delighted to have such a qualified team and pleased that WSN and Jigsaw was able to provide Jackie and Jen with the training placements which they needed to complete their studies.

She added: 'They came to us as volunteers as part of their course and did an amazing job. It was pleasing to be able to provide placements and help them with their qualifications.

'It has been a really positive experience and it’s so nice to all be graduating together. The qualifications we have received mean that we are able to provide a better service to our clients, which is fantastic.'

WSN and Jigsaw see both male and female clients and have male and female counsellors. For more information, contact 01642 822331 or email counsellor@wsnsupport.org.

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