SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ALLEN FORD - 22.9.7

WHCM counselling and support service marked schools' back to school month with an appearance on Phoenix FM's Saturday PItstop.  WHCM's children and young people coordinator Rosemary Linton told listeners the move from primary to secondary school can be daunting.

Primary schools typically have 200-300 pupils while secondary schools have upward of 1,000 pupils enrolled.  Rosemary explained that the change from one to another brought worries about being liked, included and finding new friends.

Many secondary schools have links with counselling services such as WHCM.  Originally East End based, WHCM stands for West Ham Central Mission.  They can be contacted in Chelmsford and Basildon by people young and older in Phoenix FM's Brentwood and Billericay catchment area.

While Rosemary specialises in helping children (five to 12 years) and youngsters (13-19), an adult service is also available.  By the end of October both WHCM's Essex bases will have facilities to see complete families together.

Contact WHCM in Chelmsford on 01245 359353 or by emailing sycamore@whcm.org.uk.  In Basildon WHCM is on 01268 822800 and email bridge@whcm.org.uk

Rosemary brought her own music choice to Phoenix FM, playing Eagles: Desperado, Sunday Afternoon by The Kinks and Faure: Cantique de Jean Racine.

Article by Oliver Rowe, 22 Sep 2007
Posted in Saturday Morning with Oliver Rowe

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