Peer Counselling is a joint service offered by IWA and the National Council of the Blind in Ireland (NCBI). The service operates under the same principles as other counselling services but the difference is that all IWA/NCBI peer counsellors have a physical or sensory disability. The peer counsellors are trained in counselling skills, and they combine these skills with their knowledge and experience of disability to provide a unique counselling service. This community-based service is available to members of IWA/NCBI, and their families and significant others. Peer Counselling offers you:

• An individual service tailored to meet your needs. Every client is different and the counselling that takes place reflects that difference;
• A place to tell your story in your own time and in your own way;
• An opportunity to explore the issues that are important to you in a safe and confidential environment; and
• A free, community-based service.

The Peer Counselling training programme is accredited by the National Association for Pastoral Counselling and Psychotherapy. All peer counsellors attend supervision meetings and are supported by a full-time psychologist/family therapist.

The work of the IWA/NCBI Peer Counselling service recently received international recognition at the International Narrative Therapy and Community Work conference and through the publication of a paper on the service in an international journal.

If you would like to know more about Peer Counselling, email: peer@iwa.ie.

Alternatively, telephone 01 818 6400 or our direct line 01 833 8219 ( 24 hour message service ) or your local office. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.