Christian Guidelines Ltd

Public benefits

Purpose 1 The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include a reduction in levels of stress and anxiety, elevation of depression, increasing levels of self-esteem leading to improved relationships within the family and work environments. Survivors are assisted to overcome the often depilating effects of abuse and trauma. People are

empowered to move forward in their individual spiritual lives as well as their corporate lives, embracing the challenge of change and acknowledging the inevitability of loss and bereavement in a realistic and healthy manner. These benefits are evidenced through evaluation forms submitted by our clients on completion of counselling. There is much subjective and anecdotal evidence drawn from the conversations of clients, from the changes in attitude, appearance and behaviour within the counselling room, and the financial support donated by clients during and subsequent to their counselling. The purposes of our charity will not lead to any harm provided they are carried out by trained counsellors with compassion for those they counsel. There is always a risk that exploring difficult circumstances from a person’s past can potentially re-traumatise them to some degree but this is often the only path for the client and counsellor to take as they travel toward wholeness and the benefits far outweighs any potential, short term anxiety. The charities beneficiaries are any adult or adult couple who requests our services and who we assess as being within the range of our knowledge and ability to assist. It is an ethical requirement that we only operate within our professional limitations so although we do not discriminate in any way which would contravene Equality provisions we do have to operate a screening process. The only private benefit flowing from this purpose is the increasing knowledge and skills of the counsellors who may also be involved in private practice. Placement students may volunteer for a period to gain the necessary experience and hours to obtain a qualification before seeking paid employment within the private or statutory sectors. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. Purpose 2 The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include couples being better informed and prepared for entering married life. The couples engage in exercises designed to improve their communication between each other, they have opportunity to discuss issues around sexual intimacy and possible parenthood and they are challenged as to how they deal with disagreement and disputes within a close relationship. This preparation helps overcome some of the initial difficulties faced by virtually all newly married couples and helps to reduce the incidence of disagreements and disputes. This can lead to a more harmonious family home environment which in turn is less likely to need the intervention or assistance of statutory bodies. The benefits, as perceived by the participants of the courses, are evidenced through evaluation forms submitted by our couples at end of each course. The nature of the intended benefits are such that they do not lend themselves to direct clinical or other objective evaluation. A functional family does not come under notice, it is dysfunction that attracts detailed evaluation. The increasing numbers of couples attending our courses each year, many doing so on recommendation of previous attendees, is an indication of the perceived benefits. We also have anecdotal evidence of comments and feedback from previous attendees. This purpose does not carry any risk of harm. For a full public benefit statement contact the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

What your organisation does

We provide counselling to individuals for the following issues - stress, low self-esteem, grief and loss, abuse- physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual, relationship issues, family concerns. Counselling for couples who are having marriage difficulties. Provide Marriage Preparation courses throughout Northern Ireland.