What is the difference between Listening Matters and Charnwood Listeners?
‘Charnwood Listeners’ refers to our team of volunteer listeners, while ‘Listening Matters’ refers to the management team responsible for the planning, delivery, and training of our listeners, as well as providing training in active, reflective listening to the wider public. The management team is also part of Charnwood Listeners, ensuring a seamless connection between those overseeing the program and those carrying out the listening work.
Who can benefit from the listening service?
Anyone who is 18 years or over. People often come to us when they’re confused, stressed, hurt, anxious, disappointed, isolated, or just feeling ‘stuck’.
Why is there no charge for the service?
Our Listeners are all volunteers who value Active, Reflective Listening and want others in their local community to benefit from it.
What sort of things do people talk about?
Anything! It might be a big issue, personal loss or sometimes people just feel a bit ‘stuck’ over a decision or situation. Sometimes, people have an ongoing issue that can’t be solved but still find great value in being heard.
How are you different from Counselling?
Our Listeners are not trained to use different therapeutic approaches in the way that Counsellors are. Our Listeners are trained to use the Active, Reflective Listening process.
What is Active, Reflective, Listening ?
It involves listening carefully to the speaker, reflecting back some of the key issues raised with a couple of simple questions so that the speaker can identify their own feelings and feel empowered to understand their own priorities. We never give advice.
Are you a Christian organisation?
Our main drive is to help others in our community through Active Reflective Listening. Currently, our Listeners are Christian. We are affiliated to Christian Listeners International and come under the safeguarding remit of Emmanuel church. However, because we listen without judgement we can listen to anyone from any background or religion. Our own thoughts and opinions are never disclosed on any matter.
Our Training courses can be tailored to suit both church and secular groups.
Do you have disabled access?
There’s disabled car parking and easy access to the room and there is disabled toilet facility – all on one level.
We also offer telephone appointments.
Do you offer evening appointments?
Telephone appointments can be arranged for evening appointments.
How long are the sessions?
In person appointments are 50 – 60 mins. Telephone appointments are up to 45 mins. A series of 5 sessions can be offered to any individual.
Can I bring others, such as children with me?
It’s not suitable to bring others into a session due to confidentiality. It’s essential the speaker has time and space to think and reflect, free from distractions and the presence of others. Unfortunately, we have no childcare provision.
What Covid measures do you have in place?
Whilst we follow all current government guidelines, we realise that some people are still vulnerable and therefore will gladly accommodate extra precautions such as lateral flow tests and the wearing of face coverings on a case-by-case basis.
Telephone appointments are also available.
Listening Matters 