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Level 1 An Introduction to Working in Counselling

Marketing Title
Level 1
Part-Time
BHSL1026 (2026/2027A)
11/09/2026
Format
11/12/2026
Format
Friday - 9:30am till 12:30pm
Waterside Centre Accrington - St. James Court West, Accrington, BB5 1NA
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Course Information

Course Information
The aim of this programme is to introduce learners to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work, and some of the approaches that underpin the use of these skills.

This 12-week programme designed to introduce you to the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to use counselling skills in everyday life and work, and the approaches that engage in helping to interact appropriately. Developing knowledge around a person-centred approach, safeguarding and the communication skills required in developing a career in a counselling capacity.

This course does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor.

The programme was designed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders to create an introduction to counselling skills to prepare learners for progression into the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Many of the skills developed during this programme can be used in everyday life in a number of roles, if you are looking to progress intro counselling services as a career, this is a good introduction for progression initially into level 2, level 3 and HE.
Over the course of the programme, learners will complete a main aim and a series of shorter subject specific subjects alongside, developing knowledge in the following areas:

An introduction to counselling skills and how to use counselling to help others Safeguarding and Protection
Personal Resilience
Confident participtation
Personal Goal setting
Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.

Further support and learning can be accessed through supported research, with links to a range of activities, resources and further reading links.
In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Entry 3 and above. Learners would also benefit for a basic level of IT skills.
All learners will complete an initial assessment (BKSB or similar) prior to the course to ensure you’re on the right course for your current ability.
Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly.

Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge

Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research.

Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations.

Learners accessing online assessment can view their progress in the progress bars on each course, indicating what has been completed and what is still to submit.
Learners will complete work associated with the course/qualification they are undertaking. There are assessment packs for each unit, with a variety of activities and exercises for the individuals to complete throughout the course. Case studies, research activities and practical skills will also be used to assess learners throughout the programme.
As part of the programme, you may be exposed to a range of organisations from the health and social care sector, who will present their organisations and reflect on what it is like to work in the services, together with placement opportunities and any current vacancies. These may not be directly in counselling services at this level, but will give you a good insight into working with individuals with a range of support needs to allow you to develop your communication skills.

We will encourage you to take up any placement opportunities, available with a range of organisations in a range of settings which can support you in your progression. Placements can be planned to suit the individuals’ pathway choice and can also be used as a working interview.

As part of the programme, if you proceed in going into a placement, we will also fund the application of an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) Certificate, the mandatory requirement for working in any education, health or care environment. We will also fund the upgrade to the online updates service for the first 12 months once your certificate arrives.
Following completion of this course the following progression options are available:
Progression to level 2 programmes which include:
Certificate in Counselling Skills
Certificate in Health and Care Professions
Certificate in Mental Health Awareness
Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
Award in Substance Misuse (RQF)
Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
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