New Listening Service for Felixstowe
A new Listening Service is being set up in Felixstowe under the umbrella of Ipswich based Inspire Counselling and Training, in response to the need for a short term listening ear for people in the area facing problems and life issues.
Director of Inspire, Susie Donaldson, says “The aim is to provide a first line base for people who may not need in-depth and long term counselling, but who simply need someone to talk to and perhaps a link to other support agencies that can help them. There will, however, be the opportunity to move on to longer term counselling later for those who may need it.”
 The service will be headed up by Margaret Bale, from Felixstowe Salvation Army, who had the original vision and who has been working with Inspire for over a year to set up the basics of the programme. It is supported by Christians from across the churches and seven trained Listeners will provide three sessions each week. Listeners will offer a professional service – though not full counselling – and those who require referral on to counselling or other helping agencies will be linked to the most appropriate provider.
The Centre will operate on an initial ‘drop in’ basis, with the first conversation being followed up by a maximum of four 45 minute sessions. Opening times will be from 1pm until 7pm on a Wednesday and 9am and 1pm on a Friday.
The free service, available to anyone over 18 years, will operate in conjunction with Inspire Counselling & Training, which will provide policies, procedures and overall management to ensure a fully professional approach. There will also be a local Management Committee to oversee the day to day running of the Centre.
The Mayoress of Felixstowe will officially open the Centre on December 16th and the service will start operation on January 6th 2012. 
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