Anyone has any tips on how to get a placement, apart from the obvious to go and ASK!
Any other tips would be appriciated.
And I wouldnt mind if some peeps shared about their experiences too!

I spent hours ringing around places., and worked really hard at it. Think about what areas you would want to work in I think it is also really useful to work with an organisation which will give training, and supervision e.g. Place2b, Cruse in some areas, Bereavement support orgasnisations, Rape Crisis, Alcahol and addiction centres, Mind, local counselling trusts. Go into yellow pages, the internet etc etc. many don't take trainees until they are into their 2nd year. Some universities/colleges/staff health/old people's homes, churches etc take on volunteer counsellors in training. Just keep on trying. Support is vital throughout your placement so I would advise to get in with an organisation. Its never too soo to start looking though, and just getting involved, maybe by offering a couple of hours a week manning phones etc.
Good luck

thank you so mych roses! My tutor also told me its good to start real early and offer a few hours a week to manage files and make appointments for others.
So much info!
Thank you!

dont know if this is helpful to you slaugh, but i registered with a volunteer site, and began to check out the organisations who wanted help.

i have gotten myself involved in 2 organisations, one is a telephone helpline offering support to callers, and the other is an intersting one.

I am providing one to one support to a staff member of an organisation that provides volunteers to work on projects nationally and world wide. I have nothing at all to do with the organisation, and in many ways its preferred that i do not get involved in the details. My sole purpose is to provide support to the staff member.

its a fantastic oppertunity to practice 'stage 3 skills'. I have only just met up with her and i think i will be using brainstorming techniques with her as well as force field analysis, decision balancing techniques, and of course the old chestnut - SMART!

I am not sure where you are in your course pastmember, but i have the best part of another year to go before i will be looking for supervised placements. My game plan is to work in these organisations and practice and build up my skills so that when i am looking for the supervised placements i will have experience and hopefully a track record!

just an idea

love
rusty
xx