Frequenty asked questions

What is Safe Speak?
Safe Speak is a counselling service operating across Derbyshire for young people aged 9-19 years.

What problems can Safe Speak help with?
Safe Speak can help you if there is a change or conflict in your family and you're finding it difficult to cope or with other problems you want to talk about. Your parents may be separating, divorcing or may never have lived together. They may be arguing or falling out. This may leave you feeling confused and insecure. You might be finding it difficult living with your step family. Maybe you are living 'in care' or living with another member of your family and needing support with this.

How can speaking to a Safe Speak counsellor help?
A Safe Speak counsellor can give you a safe place to talk about your thoughts and feelings in private. Talking to someone who won't judge you or give you advice can sometimes help you to see things more clearly. Sharing your feelings with someone instead of bottling them up may help you to understand your situation better or help you to cope.

Where can I see a Safe Speak counsellor?
Safe Speak counsellors work in a number of schools and other centres throughout Derbyshire. To find out your nearest counselling venue call 0800 093 5264

How do I arrange an appointment?

By phone:
You can phone Safe Speak on 0800 093 5264. We can then arrange an initial appointment. If no-one is available you may wish to leave a message on our answerphone. Please leave your name and telephone number and suggest a convenient time for us to call you back. Also, let us know if it's OK to leave a message if someone else answers a phone.

Via email:
You can email Safe Speak at info@safespeak.org.uk. Please leave contact details and let us know if you would like us to email you back or phone you.

By letter:
You can write to us with your phone number, saying when it would be OK to ring you. Send it to Safe Speak, 62 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DJ.

Before you contact us…
It may be a good idea for you to talk to a parent before you contact us, particularly if you will need help to travel to counselling sessions. If you prefer, you can ask them to book an appointment for you.

If you are at school and a Safe Speak counsellor is working there you will be able to book an appointment during lesson time. Look out for posters in your school which will tell you who to see. Alternatively you can phone 0800 093 5264 to find out if we are working in your school.

Do I have to pay?
No, Safe Speak is free.

Who will know that I am coming to counselling?
We will try to keep the fact that you are coming to counselling as private as possible. It's up to you who you tell.

Will you tell anyone else what I say?
Whatever you discuss with your counsellor stays within Safe Speak, unless your counsellor believes that you or someone else is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. Your counsellor would always try to discuss this with you before talking to anyone else.

How many sessions will I need?
You can discuss this with your counsellor at the first meeting. For some people 1 or 2 sessions may be enough, others might want more.

Where can I send comments about Safe Speak?
Safe Speak is a Derbyshire-based service provided by:
Relate Derby & Southern Derbyshire
Relate Chesterfield & North Derbyshire

We are always keen to improve our service and any comments or complaints should be sent to:
Project Manager
Safe Speak
62 Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1DJ
Or emailed to: info@safespeak.org.uk

call us on
0800 093 5264