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FAQs

If you have any questions about Birchall and our work, here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions: 

Did this happen to me? 

 

Sometimes we can be unsure about or struggle to understand something that happened – recently or years ago. If you are unsure whether you need Birchall, please do email, text 07943 011787 or call one of our offices, we’ll figure it out together: 

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  • Cumbria Phone: 01229 820828 

  • North Lancs Phone: 01524 239595 

  • East Lancs Phone: 01254 919505 

  • Fylde Coast Phone: 01253 201946 

Do you believe me?

 

Yes. No matter who you speak to at Birchall, we all believe you. 

I’m using drugs or alcohol – will you still help me? 

 

We understand people may self-medicate to manage symptoms of trauma, so please do contact us. The reason we ask about drug and alcohol use is because we need to assess your engagement – whether you can attend your counselling sessions for example.

Do you work with perpetrators? 

 

We do not work with perpetrators, but these services do:  

Where are you based?

 

We offer counselling in all these locations, and you can tell us which one would be the easiest for you to attend: 

 

  • Barrow-in-Furness (our head office)  

  • Kendal 

  • Lancaster 

  • Morecambe 

  • Preston 

  • Kirkham 

  • Blackpool 

  • Fleetwood 

  • Accrington  

  • Bacup 

  • Blackburn 

  • Colne 

  • Darwen 

  • Nelson 

Is there a charge for the service? 

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If you are coming to us for help, our services are completely free. But we offer paid training for different organisations to help fund our services. 

Will you tell the police? 

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No. Reporting is completely your choice. 

Can my family, partner or friends get help? 

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Yes, we offer support to loved ones as well. Please do get in touch with us to find out more. 

How long do I have to wait?

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Our current waiting list is 9-12 months, but this doesn’t mean you won’t hear from us during this time. Here is more information about a typical Birchall journey, so you will know what to expect. Please don’t let the waiting time stop you from getting in touch – we are working very hard to reduce this and you will receive resources and support while you wait. 

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If you feel that waiting is difficult, that’s completely understandable. There are paid organisations that provide specialist support, which you can access here https://www.bacp.co.uk/

How do I refer? 

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  • Cumbria Phone: 01229 820828 

  • North Lancs Phone: 01524 239595 

  • East Lancs Phone: 01254 919505 

  • Fylde Coast Phone: 01253 201946 

  • Text us: 07943 011787 

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If you are in danger or need immediate support, please call 999 or contact one of the organisations on our immediate help page.  

What choices do I have if I begin counselling or enter the wellbeing programme?

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You can:  

  • state if you’d rather work with a male or a female counsellor/ wellbeing practitioner.  

  • request for peer support in a group setting. 

  • tell us if you’d prefer a certain day or time. 

  • defer counselling for certain things such as your exams.  

  • choose the location: We work across South Cumbria, North and East Lancashire and the Fylde Coast. 

  • choose online or face-to-face counselling. 

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