Embedded Files
We are excited to have the Chatbus service operating at our school one day a week! Based on the needs we have seen in our school we have worked in collaboration with Myross Bush, Otatara, Salford and Tisbury School to bring establish this service in Invercargill.
The Board (consisting of these schools) is formally known as Chatbus South Trust and currently employs Miles Guenther-Dotten as the Chatbus South’s Counsellor. He is a fully trained Counsellor with a teaching background. Miles has put together a 45sec video introducing himself - CLICK HERE to view this.
When talking to our students we may use the word “chat,” as the word counsellor may be a bit complex for our tamariki. We want our tamariki to see the services as a safe place to go and “chat” about anything.
All counselling sessions are recorded on camera visually (not audibly) and the footage stored securely. This measure was put in place by the Chatbus South Board to strengthen the safety of the client and counsellor.
STAFF
ChatBus provides a professional counselling service to children within Intermediate & Primary schools.
ChatBus employs only qualified, experienced counsellors to ensure a high quality service.
ChatBus counsellors must be members of a professional body, and have regular clinical supervision.
Our counsellors are always happy to hear your concerns and accept self referals from students, parents or other professionals.
Your counsellor is:
Miles Pask
ISSUES
Children today face a number of issues that cause them worries.
Sometimes they face challenges at school with friendships, or bullying.
Sometimes they face challenges at home, such as parents fighting, blended families, separation or divorce, family violence, grief etc.
Sometimes they face challenges from within, such as fears or anxieties, nightmares, or behaviour problems.
Often when children have worries, their learning is affected because they are distracted and have difficulty concentrating in class.
Worries are common among children, and a little bit of professional support can help them with strategies to cope an overcome their challenges.
We all know that "a problem shared is a problem halved."
What does ChatBus offer?
Free professional counselling in a familiar setting.
Opportunity to talk and be listened to without judgement.
The development of interpersonal skills while accessing support.
Opportunity to develop resilience.
Life skills for the present.
Hope for the future.
Children gain an understanding of their own uniqueness and worth.
You Can Help
ChatBus is a registered charitable trust. You can invest in the well-being of the children in our city by becoming a ChatBus supporter.
Donate $5 (or more) each week as ongoing support fpr ChatBus by setting up an automatic payment.
ChatBus South Bank Account:
03 1746 0056815 000
Alternatively search for donate to our 'ChatBus Invercargill' Givealittle page.
CONFIDENTIALITY
As with other counseling services, client confidentiality is protected, unless the counsellor believes that a person is in danger of serious harm. If this is the case, the school Principal is notified. The children need to know that they can talk safely without their conversation being repeated. However, if there is something you need to know, the counsellor will talk to your child about this before you are contacted, so they can understand the importance of having mum or dad involvolved.
Sometimes parents will be contacted to support the work that happens at school, or to offer you support in working with challenging behaviour.
Teachers are aware of who visits ChatBus, but they are not informed of what your child talks about, unless it concerns the classroom. If your child talks about what is happening at home, this information is protected.
NETWORKING
ChatBus works together with other organisations including:
Public Health Nurses
Oranga Tamariki
Child & Family Mental Health Services
Police Education Officers
Youth Aid
Women's Refuge
Social Workers in School
School Staff
CONTACT
email: miles.chastbus@gmail.com
To learn more about ChatBus, go to: www.chatbus.org.nz
Find us on facebook at:
Report abuse