A free counselling service for school aged children and young people in Fife, to address emotional distress, delivered in outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and beaches.
Young people experiencing anxiety, low mood, or reduced confidence are significantly more vulnerable during the transition from primary to secondary school. These challenges can make it difficult to form new peer-relationships, cope with academic pressure, and stay engaged with school life. Without timely person-centred interventions, these pupils are at greater risk of isolation, disengagement, and long-term negative outcomes in both education and health.
This service will work with children and young people from P7 to S6 and tailor the environment and activities to suit each young person’s needs. One-to-one sessions may include walking, gardening, or forestry work, depending on what feels most comfortable and engaging for the young person, and will include mornings, lunchtimes and after-school appointments.
Outdoor therapy offers an accessible alternative to traditional counselling. One of the key features of this approach is walking side-by-side rather than sitting face-to-face, creating a more relaxed, informal atmosphere. Being in open, natural spaces often reduces sensory demands compared to traditional indoor settings, helping young people feel more at ease. Outdoor counselling is an inclusive and effective way to reach those who might otherwise avoid school-based interventions.
Note: Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders, those on pending sexual offence charges, or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
Location: Fife
Age range: Children and young people from P7-S6
Eligibility Criteria (P7):
- The young person (P7) is enrolled in a Fife primary school and is unlikely to have a successful transition to secondary.
- The young person is showing increasing signs of emotional distress which is impacting their wellbeing and may be impacting their engagement with Education.
- The young person/family is not currently working with CAMHS or engaged in any other therapeutic support.
Eligibility Criteria (S1-S6):
- The young person (S1-S6) is enrolled in a Fife secondary school and is suitable for counselling but cannot access through the school setting, due to school related distress.
- The young person is showing increasing signs of emotional distress which is impacting their wellbeing (see indicators below) and may be impacting their engagement with Education.
- Outdoor Therapy is deemed the most appropriate intervention at the additional/intensive level of support, beyond the scope of other school-based intervention and where an outdoor environment is preferable to a school-based setting due to school-based distress.
- The young person/family is not currently working with CAMHS or engaged in any other therapeutic support.
Who can make a referral:
Referrals can be made by any professional working with a child or young person enrolled in a Fife school from P7 to S6. Referrals can also be made by parents/carers. Informed consent must be given to access this service, by the parents/carers where the child is under 12, and by the young person aged 12 and over.
Wait time: Young people should not be expected to wait any longer than 12 weeks from date of referral to starting their counselling therapy if assessed as suitable.
This is not a crisis service. If someone is suffering from an acute mental health crisis, please read Our Immediate Help Guide for advice on how best to seek immediate support.
