Project Details
Through our work during lockdown it became clear that there was a dramatic decline in the mental health and wellbeing of the individuals who accessed our services. We experienced a high number of clients who were expressing an inability to cope with the restrictions of lockdown.
Another need that became apparent was those who stated they were previously functioning adequately were finding through lockdown that they were now in need of counselling and support to work on and through the issues that have been raised or exacerbated through this experience we’re all continuing to go through.
We identified a gap and need for trained therapists who are equipped to listen to and offer support to those in our local community to flourish and thrive in life after lockdown.
So, it’s with great joy that we offer our Cultivate project in direct response to the mental health and wellbeing needs that have arisen as a result of COVID-19.
At the end of 2021 we secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Local Support Fund to continue our Cultivate project and offer one to one trauma informed counselling and recovery support to those in need in our local community.
Goals and Objectives
Offering trauma informed 1-1 counselling and recovery support through the support groups and retreats.
To empower individuals, families and anyone in need in our community to flourish in life after lockdown – by equipping them to bounce back from these difficulties by building resilience and encouraging hope through the use of our services.
Counselling Services
As part of the project, we have 2 counsellors and a recovery worker helping clients work through a range of issues including:
• Anxiety – general and social anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy, hopelessness, helplessness, suicidal thoughts & tendencies and self-harming
• Stress & panic attacks
• Workplace stress, bullying, financial stress
• Phobias
• Self-Esteem, assertiveness, issues of self worth
• Anger, aggression, domestic violence
• Relationship issues, separation, divorce
• Addiction and the related mental health problems
• Issues for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, trauma or neglect
• Grief & loss issues
• Personal development & life changing issues
• Gender & sexual issues
• Mental health issues
• Trauma
Completely confidential and supportive, we are fully compliant with the ethics, guidelines and practices of the governing bodies for counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.
Meet the Team
Derek Moir - Project Manager & Trainee Counsellor
"I’m passionate about seeing lives restored, minds set free and people becoming all they are meant to be. "
Education:
• HND Counselling (currently in Year 1)
• HNC Counselling, Destiny College 2020
• Certificate in Ministry, CFCI Bible College 2015
• HNC Health, Fitness & Exercise 2003
Student Member of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Work Experience:
I’ve been running the Freedom Fighters since December 2008, teaching different series of messages on a weekly basis for 11 years, running courses, leading a team and managing the group.
Project managing the charity since 2018, raising funds, running groups and workshops, creating and recording podcasts and documentaries, running men’s and women’s retreats, and counselling others.
Youth Work with the Prince’s Trust and NAC.
Residential Child Care.
Forestry Worker.
Carmen Slobozeanu - Counsellor
"I'm passionate about helping my clients to define their goals and develop a plan of action and, in the process, gain awareness of their issues. I take a holistic (mind, soul, spirit and body) approach to mental health care and love to see the therapeutic process develop for each individual.
Education:
• The University of the West of Scotland, 2019-2021, MSc in Psychology
• Diploma in Integrative Counselling
• Diploma in Clinical & Pastoral Counseling
• Post Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies
Member of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Work Experience:
Leader of Holding Hope Counselling: tackling issues such as addictions, trauma, abuse, grief and bereavement, anxiety, depression.
School Counsellor: @Place2Be – I work with this national charity providing emotional support to children in schools.
Destiny Community Counselling: since 2016, I’ve worked as a Counsellor (with hrs supervised client practice), applying an Integrative approach (Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt & CBT). I gained hands-on experience in providing counselling, support and advocacy services to clients suffering from trauma, grief and bereavement, addictions, depression and anxiety, one-to-one counselling, and I built and maintained strong professional relationships.
Languages:
I speak English (fluent) and Romanian (fluent).
Martin King – Recovery Worker
"I’m passionate about sharing my life experience, the good and the bad, with others so they don't have to walk the road of defeat, confusion and frustration I walked on for too many years."
Education:
• HNC Counselling (currently in Year 1)
• I’ve been sober for 21 years through working a twelve step program
• NC Child, Health & Social Care
• SVQ 2 Health and Social Care
• HNC Health Care
Work Experience:
I’m a Felt Roofer by trade
I’ve been a Support Worker in different sectors, running mens groups and assisting in groups and men’s retreats.
My last employment was at Port Ban, Christian holiday park where I worked in hospitality as head chef.
My hobbies are Golf, Cycling, Fishing, Walking, Kayaking & Camping.
Contact
If you feel that you would benefit from the Cultivate Programme then please get in touch with us.
You can email us at: [email protected] or call us on: 0781 6482323
Funders
Freedom Fighters would like to thank the following funders:
Scottish Government’s Local Support Fund, Hillhouse Quarry and the Corra Foundation.
