We recognise how difficult it can be to take the first step in seeking help, and we understand that there are sometimes concerns about attending a mainstream counselling service to discuss your personal issues.

 

We will try our best to make sure your time with Laurel Place is a positive and respectful experience, and that all First Nations clients are able to access counselling in an environment that is welcoming and safe – and one in which you feel culturally-safe and your cultural needs are acknowledged and met to the best of our ability.

 

Our First Nation's Client Support Worker provides support for First Nations’ clients – working together to overcome any of the barriers that may prevent you from engaging and focusing on the healing journey that comes with counselling.

The Support Worker is not a counsellor so there is no pressure to share sensitive information with the Worker at any time – it is up to you how much or how little you share about the matters for which you are seeking support.

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The Worker is bound by the same confidentiality conditions as the counsellors but has a duty to disclose information you have shared if there is concern for your safety or the safety of others.

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It is a matter of choice to access the support of the Worker, and it is your right to decline support, or to have your information withheld from the Worker.

 

How can the Support Worker assist you?

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• Outreach/Home visits

  • If you’re unsure about coming to our Service, the Support Worker can come to your home, or other place where you feel safe, to provide information about Laurel Place and about what you can expect from your counsellor – what counselling is, but often more importantly, what it is not.

  • Should it be required, and at your request, the Support Worker may be able to continue with home visits for all or part of the duration of your engagement to discuss ongoing support needs.

• Practical support

  • Providing transport (depending on availability)

  • Regular phone check-ins as desired

  • Sourcing culturally-specific referral options where possible as

  • Warm referrals

  • All efforts will be made to provide culturally-specific resources as required

• In-service advocacy

  • The Support Worker will advocate for you from the point of your referral to decisions on your allocation and case planning at Laurel Place.

  • The Support Worker may be able to negotiate counselling arrangements that you identify best meet your need.

• Inter-service advocacy

  • You can choose to have the Support Worker support you and advocate for you at departmental and stakeholder case discussions

  • Verbal and written support for you in matters relating to other agencies, eg., housing, schools, Centrelink.

 

The First Nations' Client Support Worker works across all four of our service-delivery areas – Sunshine Coast, Gympie, South Burnett and Moreton.

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Contact by calling 0423 377 578 between 8.30am and 4.30pm – Monday to Thursday.