A YOUNG PERSON WRITES ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AT THE BRANDON CENTRE

"I am currently a student and was first referred to the Brandon Centre around three years ago by one of the college's counsellors, who felt that I required more specialist help than he could offer. The Centre was very prompt in offering me an appointment, and after an initial assessment my therapist was flexible in arranging me a regular appointment that fitted around my college schedule. I had a regular weekly appointment with my therapist on and off for around two years, during that time we explored many ways of tackling the difficulties I was having. Although the initial appointments were difficult, I soon felt that I could completely trust my therapist and had much respect for her advice and suggestions.

During the periods I wasn't having regular appointments, it was made clear that if I ever felt that I needed to re-start my appointments, or have an assessment, this would not be a problem. After encountering major difficulties with my local GP and mental health services, I can't stress enough the importance, the role that counselling at the Brandon Centre played, in helping me through a very difficult time of my life.

During the time I was having counselling at the Centre, I also regularly used the contraceptive service, and one occasion, the sexual health clinic. It was always easy to make an appointment with the nurse, and staff always tried their best to fit them around meetings with my therapist, which was very helpful for me as I used to travel a long distance to get to Kentish Town. The nurse was aware of why I was seeing a counsellor at the Centre, and was always very sensitive to my situation during the appointments. She was very down to earth and I always felt comfortable and never embarrassed during our meetings. The staff at the Centre were always very friendly and discrete. The waiting room was comfortable, and there were ample leaflets and posters offering advice and information on a huge range of topics.

I was also regularly asked to complete a questionnaire, regarding the facilities at the Centre, and several changes were implemented during my time there to improve the waiting room, and other facilities. I would like to express my heart felt thanks to all the staff at the Centre for the amazing support they have offered me over the past three years."