location_on South Tyneside

Turn the work you already do into a recognised qualification.

Gain a free, accredited Level 3 Counselling Skills qualification if you're aged 24+ and live in South Tyneside. One day a week for 10 weeks, with no cost to you.

school Course · Counselling Skills verified Ofqual regulated workspace_premium Level 3

Ten days over ten weeks

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SeptTue1Tue8Tue15Tue22Tue29
OctTue6Thu15Thu22Thu29
schedule9:30am to 4:30pm · in-person · Holiday Inn, Boldon (NE35 9PE)
directions_busTransport assistance available
Check if I qualify

Fewer than 9 places left

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Counselling Skills

Where are you based?

This course runs for South Tyneside residents only.

Are you 24 or over?

This course is funded for adults 24 and above.

Which of these best describes the work you do?

This course is for people already doing this work in a paid role.

Can you commit from 25 August 2026 to 29 October 2026?

You'll need to attend every session below. The course runs 10 days over 10 weeks.

  • Tuesday 25 August· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 1 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 8 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 15 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 22 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 29 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 6 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 15 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 22 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 29 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm

Last step. How do we reach you?

We'll only share your details with providers that match what you're looking for.

This course isn't in your area

Counselling Skills runs for South Tyneside residents only right now. You've still got options.

You can still take this course.

You don't qualify for the funded place, but you can still pay for the course yourself. Would you like to discuss this option?

Course fee: approximately £2,000

This one isn't quite right for you

This course is funded for adults 24 and over. There are other options that may be open to you.

You can still take this course.

You don't qualify for the funded place, but you can still pay for the course yourself. Would you like to discuss this option?

Course fee: approximately £2,000

This one's for people already working in these areas

Counselling Skills builds on cases you're already handling, so it's only open to people working in support, justice, or drug and alcohol services. Plenty of our other funded courses have no such requirement.

You can still take this course.

You don't qualify for the funded place, but you can still pay for the course yourself. Would you like to discuss this option?

Course fee: approximately £2,000

No problem. We'll save you a spot

The 25 August 2026 intake is filling fast. Leave your details and we'll let you know as soon as the next cohort date is confirmed.

Trainee Counsellor✦Wellbeing Practitioner✦Recovery Practitioner✦Substance Misuse Practitioner✦Family Support Practitioner✦Domestic Abuse Practitioner✦Victim Support Officer✦Mental Health Practitioner✦Trainee Counsellor✦Wellbeing Practitioner✦Recovery Practitioner✦Substance Misuse Practitioner✦Family Support Practitioner✦Domestic Abuse Practitioner✦Victim Support Officer✦Mental Health Practitioner✦
More than just a qualification

Learn practical counselling skills that make you more effective at work, and prepare you for what's next.

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Handle the hard conversations better

You already sit with people at their worst. This gives you the technique behind the instinct, so the conversations you currently improvise have a structure underneath them.

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Open the door to Level 4

A Level 3 in counselling skills is the standard entry requirement for Level 4 counselling diplomas. If qualifying as a counsellor is the long game, this is the step that starts it.

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Move into a specialist post

Support worker to substance misuse practitioner, keyworker to family support. Specialist roles ask for evidenced counselling training, and this is the qualification named in the job spec.

The Course

A nationally recognised Level 3 qualification.

Equivalent to an A-Level. Recognised across the sector and the standard entry route for higher counselling qualifications.

Certificate of Qualification
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Adult Education Budget

Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

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Accredited qualification

✦
calendar_today Duration 10 days over 10 weeks
school Level Level 3
sell Cost Fully funded
What you'll learn
  • check Core counselling techniques, and when each one is the right call
  • check How to hold a boundaried conversation without taking it home with you
  • check Recognising where your own reactions get in the way
  • check Supervised role-play built on scenarios from real casework
  • check Working safely within your limits, and knowing when to refer on
Do you qualify?

Find out if this course is for you.

Let's check if you're eligible for a nationally recognised qualification, fully funded.

Eligibility: Fully government-funded. To qualify, you must be 24+, live in South Tyneside, and already work in a support or guidance role.

1

Are you 24 or over?

2

Do you live in South Tyneside?

3

Are you free 9:30am to 4:30pm on ten set dates for 10 days over 10 weeks starting 25 August 2026?

  • Tuesday 25 August· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 1 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 8 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 15 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 22 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 29 September· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday 6 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 15 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 22 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
  • Thursday 29 October· 9:30am to 4:30pm
4

Which of these best describes the work you do?

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Looks like you qualify!

Based on your answers, this course looks fully funded for you. No cost, no catch. Go ahead and check your full eligibility. It only takes 90 seconds.

Check my full eligibility →

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Why Switchable

We find the course. You just show up.

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Government-funded

Funded through the government's adult education budget. No cost to you.

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ICO registered

Your data is handled lawfully and securely.

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Fully funded

This course is fully funded. No fees, no hidden costs.

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Matched providers only

Your details go to one relevant provider. Nobody else.

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to
what you're already thinking.

01 Is it really free?
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Yes. It's fully funded by the government for eligible adults in South Tyneside. No fees, no payment plans, no catch.

02 What happens after I apply?
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We pass your details to the course provider. They'll be in touch within one working day to talk through the course and get you set up.

03 Can I do this if I'm working?
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Yes, and most people on it are. Counselling Skills runs 9:30am to 4:30pm on ten set dates. It's built around people who are already in work.

04 What if I'm not sure I qualify?
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Apply anyway. The checker on this page is a rough guide. The provider will confirm your eligibility properly before you commit to anything.

05 The start date doesn't work for me.
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This cohort starts 25 August 2026. If the dates don't work for you, leave your details and we'll let you know when the next one opens.

06 What can this qualification do for me?
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It's a regulated Level 3 qualification in counselling skills. Employers recognise it on a CV, it evidences trained practice rather than instinct, and it's the standard entry route to a Level 4 counselling diploma. Once you've got it, it's yours for life.

Next intake: 25 August 2026

Skills that get you hired.

Get a nationally recognised Level 3 in counselling skills, fully funded.

Check if I qualify

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