York St John Communities Centre, 32-34 Clarence Street, York (2026)

04/05/2026

Our "Working With Su***de Risk Through a Therapeutic Lens" Training is Led by an Excellent Experienced & Trusted Facilitator

Andrew brings decades of experience, including leadership within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, alongside academic and clinical expertise. 🌟 His approach is compassionate, human, and deeply grounded in practice.

“Andrew's training was fantastic. He is incredibly knowledgeable, interesting, insightful, as well as having a super friendly and 'human' approach.”

Training Details
📅 Dates: Thu, 21 May ’26
🕥 Duration: Half-day (online)
📍 Location: Online
💷 Cost: £65 general / £25 concession
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Professor Andrew Reeves
FB Event Link: https://fb.me/e/4bgZsGGkj

👉 Find out more & register:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training/

01/05/2026

Our next Bereavement Café is in less that two weeks! So why join us?

Grief can be a lonely place. Even when we’re surrounded by others, it can feel like no one truly understands what we’re going through.

At our Bereavement Café, you're gently welcomed into a space where it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. Whether you want to talk, listen, or simply sit with a cup of tea in the company of others who get it, you're not alone.

There's no pressure to share, no expectations – just a chance to connect, reflect, and be with others who understand that grief doesn't have a timetable.

📅 Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026

⏰ Time: 1 – 3pm

📍 Location: 32–34 Clarence Street, YO31 7EW

🔗 FB Event link: https://fb.me/e/3ti1JYOTL

Sometimes, a simple conversation can be the comfort we didn’t know we needed. 💛

01/05/2026

Rethinking Communication

💬 Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Explore how neurodivergent individuals may experience and express communication differently—and how you can adapt your approach to be more inclusive and effective.

✨ Small changes can make a big difference.

“Understanding begins with listening differently.”

Training Details
📅 Dates: Thu, 4 Jun ’26 / Mon, 13 Jul ’26
🕥 Duration: 10am–5pm
🏆 CPD Accredited – 6 CPD credits
📍 Location: York St John UniversityCampus

💷 Cost: £110 general / £75 concession (4 concession places per date; for YSJ Counselling students & YSJCC placement students)

👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Stef Bricklebank (27 years’ experience, neurodivergent practitioner specialising in inclusive practice, youth work & dramatherapy)

👉 Find out more & register:
www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training

24/04/2026

🤔 Thinking About Counselling but Feeling Anxious? Here’s the next steps of what to expect with York St John Communities Centre💙

4️⃣ Booking and Payment – Flexible and Straightforward
Our admin staff are here to help with any questions about payments 💳 or appointment scheduling. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we strive to make rescheduling easy when needed.
💬 “I have on a number of occasions had to move around my appointments, and this was always made easy with no problems.”

Many clients appreciate the flexibility and clear communication around this process.

5️⃣ Appointment Reminders – Thoughtful and Helpful
You’ll receive appointment reminders via email 📧, making it easier to keep track of your sessions. Some people have shared how much they appreciate these reminders, especially when life gets busy. 🗓️
💬 “The email reminders are great – I don’t have to remember, and the staff always use my name, which is nice.”

We’re always working to ensure these are as helpful as possible.

6️⃣ Starting Counselling – Feeling at Ease from Day One
When you meet your counsellor, you can expect a compassionate and understanding approach. 💖
💬 “Lovely staff from reception to counselling room. My counsellor makes me feel at ease and listens to everything I talk about.” 🫶

While we’ll cover the details of counselling itself in another post, many clients have told us that their counsellors made them feel comfortable and listened to from the very first session.

✳️ You can find out more and start your journey today by visiting our website: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/counselling/

✳️ Self-refer using our online portal here: https://yorksj.solvefit.co.uk/csr/

If you’re thinking about counselling but feeling uncertain, know that you’re not alone. 🌟 Many people have found the process to be smoother, more welcoming, and more reassuring than they expected. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help.

23/04/2026

Recognising Strengths & Potential

✨ What if we focused on strengths instead of deficits?

This session helps you recognise and nurture the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals—from creativity and innovation to problem-solving and deep focus 🌟

Learn how to shift your perspective and unlock potential in those you support.

“When we focus on strengths, we create opportunities.”

Training Details
📅 Dates: Thu, 4 Jun ’26 / Mon, 13 Jul ’26
🕥 Duration: 10am–5pm
🏆 CPD Accredited – 6 CPD credits
📍 Location: York St John University
💷 Cost: £110 general / £75 concession (4 concession places per date; for YSJ Counselling students & YSJCC placement students)

👩🏫 Facilitator: Stef Bricklebank (27 years’ experience, neurodivergent practitioner specialising in inclusive practice, youth work & dramatherapy)
FB Event Link: https://fb.me/e/3GgQnpK71

👉 Find out more & register:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training/

22/04/2026

🤔 Thinking About Counselling but Feeling Anxious? Here’s What to Expect at York St John Communities Centre (first 3 steps!)💙

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, but at York St John Communities Centre, many people have found the process smooth, welcoming, and reassuring. If you’re unsure about what to expect, here’s the first few steps (more to follow) to help ease any concerns. ✨

1️⃣ Self-Referral – Simple and Quick
The journey starts on our website 🌍 where you can complete a straightforward self-referral form. Many have found this easy to navigate, with clear instructions to guide them. One client shared:

💬 “The website was easy to use, and the form for applying for counselling was easy to follow.”

Once submitted, you won’t be waiting long—our team follows up quickly to arrange your initial assessment. ⏳

2️⃣ Initial Assessment – A Friendly and Understanding Conversation
Shortly after your referral, you'll have a phone consultation 📞 with a member of our team. People often tell us how kind and reassuring the staff are, making them feel at ease right from the start.

💬 “The person I initially spoke to on the phone was so kind and friendly, so I immediately felt at ease.”

This conversation helps us understand your needs and match you with a counsellor who is right for you. 🫂

3️⃣ Finding the Centre – A Warm and Welcoming Space
Arriving at the centre for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but many clients describe the reception team as friendly and inviting. 😊
💬 “Reception always welcoming & efficient, calm waiting area, rooms good for actual sessions – simple, clean & no distractions.”
The space itself is calm, clean, and free from distractions, helping to create a sense of safety and ease. 🏡

✳️ You can find out more and start your journey today by visiting our website: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/counselling/

21/04/2026

Introduction to Menopause CPD

Menopause is a natural part of life, yet too often it’s misunderstood or left unspoken. This one-day course is designed to help individuals and workplaces create a more informed, supportive, and open environment for everyone.

🌸 Understand Menopause
Gain insight into the signs and symptoms of peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause, exploring what happens physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout each stage.

💬 Clearer Communication
Learn the correct terminology and appropriate language to talk about menopause with confidence and compassion, helping to break stigma and encourage honest conversations.

❤️ Explore Health Impacts
Discover the long-term effects if menopause isn’t addressed early—and how proactive awareness and action can make a positive difference to wellbeing and quality of life.

🌿 Personal Reflection
Take time to explore what you need to support your own menopause journey, and identify ways to create a better experience for yourself and others.

🤝 Build Awareness & Encourage Open Dialogue
Help your team recognise the signs, support colleagues effectively, and foster a culture where menopause is spoken about openly. Normalising these discussions can reduce instances of women taking sick leave without feeling able to explain the real reason.

🏢 Review & Improve Policies
Explore what support your organisation currently offers and how to strengthen policies that meet the needs of menopausal women and those supporting them.

This training empowers both individuals and workplaces to build understanding, compassion, and change.

Training Details
📅 Friday 12 June 2026
🕥 10am - 1.30pm
📍 Online
💷 £55per person (£35 concession rates for YSJU Counselling students, and YSJCC Placement Students)
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Stef Bricklebank

👉 Find out more & register: www.yorksj.ac.uk/courses/professional-and-short-courses/health/introduction-to-menopause

21/04/2026

🗣️ Discover the Joy of Language Learning!

The Community Language School is more than classes – it’s a place where children aged 5–15 build confidence, explore heritage languages, and connect with peers. Join us this year and watch your child’s language skills and self-assurance flourish! ✨

"Every language learned is a new world discovered."

Details
🕥 Duration: 1–2 hours
👩🏫 Who's it for: Children aged 5–15
📍 Location: York St John University
💷 Cost: Free

👉 Find out more & register:
www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/children-and-young-people/

20/04/2026

Working With Su***de Risk Through a Therapeutic Lens

So Who This Training Is For - This workshop is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists, and therapeutic coaches, whether qualified or in training, who want a thoughtful and supported space to explore work with su***de risk. 🌱

There is no expectation of personal disclosure — instead, the focus is on reflection, learning, discussion, and strengthening practice.

“Andrew delivered the training from an honest and open approach in a relaxed and empathic manner, which made me feel at ease and not alone with the feelings that I am sometimes left with when working with risk.”

Training Details
📅 Dates: Thu, 21 May ’26
🕥 Duration: Half-day (online)
📍 Location: Online
💷 Cost: £65 general / £25 concession
👩🏫 Facilitator: Professor Andrew Reeves (35+ years’ experience in counselling & mental health)
FB Event Link: https://fb.me/e/4bgZsGGkj

👉 Find out more & register:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training/

17/04/2026

🌟 Bereavement Awareness CPD - NEXT WEEK!🌟

Our Bereavement Awareness CPD Accredited is next week, 22nd April, and we still have a few spaces left.

It's a fantastic, compassionate, research-informed training day offering essential skills for anyone supporting people through loss. Gain confidence, communication tools, practical strategies and deeper understanding.

💬 "A really engaging and informative event with Stef who held the emotional and intellectual space brilliantly."

Training Details
📅 Wed 22 April '26
🕥 10.00am–5.00pm (Full day, CPD-accredited – 6 CPD credits)
📍 York St John University
💷 £110 general / £75 concession (4 concession places per date; for YSJ Counselling students & YSJCC placement students)
👩🏫 Facilitator: Stef Bricklebank (26 years’ experience, specialist in bereavement support, youth work & dramatherapy)

👉 Find out more & register: www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training/

10/04/2026

Bereavement Awareness CPD Training – Join Us 🤍

Grief is something we will all encounter—personally or professionally—yet many of us don’t feel fully equipped to support others through it. Our Bereavement Awareness CPD Training offers a compassionate, practical space to deepen your understanding and build confidence in navigating this sensitive area.

Whether you’re working with adults, children, or young people, this full-day accredited training will help you recognise the signs of grief, use appropriate and supportive language, and develop meaningful ways to respond in real-life situations. It also creates space to reflect on how workplaces and settings can better support those experiencing bereavement—while ensuring you look after your own wellbeing too 💭

Participants often highlight how the training is not only professionally valuable, but personally impactful—offering clarity, reassurance, and a deeper sense of confidence when supporting others.

Here’s what one attendee shared:
"I highly recommend this course as further insight into how to navigate the sensitive topic of bereavement in practice or the workplace. It is concise and very clearly explained with engagement of the cohort. Stef delivers the course in a professional, sensitive manner, is extremely approachable and an expert in her field. I found the course beneficial to my own personal learning and for my ongoing professional development."

Through interactive activities, group discussion, and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain tools to:
✨ Recognise key signs and symptoms of grief
🗣️ Communicate with empathy and confidence
🤝 Support bereaved individuals in a thoughtful, informed way
🏫 Strengthen support systems within your organisation or practice

The training is facilitated by Stef Bricklebank, an experienced educator and therapeutic practitioner with over 26 years of experience. Stef creates a warm, supportive learning environment where participants feel able to explore, reflect, and grow 🌱

✔ CPD UK accredited (6 CPD credits)
✔ Full-day interactive training
✔ Suitable for professionals, trainees, and anyone supporting someone through loss
If you’re looking to build confidence, deepen your understanding, and create more compassionate support around bereavement—this training is for you 💛

Training Details
📅 Wed 22 April '26 / Mon 15 June '26
🕥 10.00am–5.00pm (Full day, CPD-accredited – 6 CPD credits)
📍 York St John University Campus
💷 £110 general / £75 concession (4 concession places per date; for YSJ Counselling students & YSJCC placement students)
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Stef Bricklebank (26 years’ experience, specialist in bereavement support, youth work & dramatherapy)

👉 Find out more & register:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/working-with-the-community/communities-centre/events-and-training/

Book your place today and be part of creating more supportive, understanding spaces for those experiencing loss.

York St John Communities Centre

04/05/2026

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