Shine (Sexual Health In Newcastle) is a community women's health project based in Newcastle Upon Tyne offering support and services for women 16 and over.
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Services Offered
Confidential One-to-One Support
Here at Shine we offer women a chance to talk to a worker about any problem or issue they are facing in relation to their sexual health and other issues, such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, relationships and so much more (see our menu for further information).
Our one-to-ones are completely confidential and informal and is just about giving someone a safe space and time to talk.
We are not counsellors but we are very good at listening and we do not judge.
We might not always know the answers to all your questions but if we don't think we can help you, we will help you find someone who can. And we will of course offer to accompany you to meet them.
A Flexible, holistic service You may need more than just one appointment to tackle the problems you are dealing with. This will be assessed in agreement between you and your worker during the first couple of sessions.
Although we don't offer a service for children or families we support women who have children. And that means sometimes working around the children's and family's support needs as well.
As women we never look after ourselves first - we take care of our children, our partners, our friends and family and then somewhere down the list we may tend to our own needs. At Shine we recognise this and will support you to look after others so you can look after yourself. Sometimes our clients may also need support in attending appointments or meetings and when possible we will offer to accompany you.
Fees and Payment
Some programmes and services are provided for free
Please contact our office for cost and payment information
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Payment: Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.