The Manx Lottery Trust, as delegated partner of Big Lottery Fund, is to fund training for additional counsellors for Relate Isle of Man, as it endeavours to reduce waiting lists for its services. 
 
Relate champions the importance of strong and healthy relationships as the basis of a thriving society. Relate has been offering services on the Island for over 50 years, covering relationship counselling to couples, individuals, and same-sex clients; young people; family counselling; psycho sexual therapy; pre-marital, separation and divorce counselling and support around domestic violence cases.
 
Counsellors are trained to the highest standard by Relate. Counselling can start after an initial six months’ training and it takes around three years to become fully qualified. Additional training is undertaken before working with young people, families and clients requiring sex therapy counselling.
 
There is a waiting list for all Relate’s services so the aim is to have all counsellors trained in as many aspects as possible.
 
Relate is holding an information evening on Wednesday 15 February, 7pm, at the Empress Hotel, Douglas, where potential counsellors can learn more.  To register your interest, please contact Relate Isle of Man on 623902 or by email: relate@mcb.net
 
Thelma Lomax, Treasurer, Relate Isle of Man, commented: ‘Relate Isle of Man is hugely grateful for the support of the Manx Lottery Trust. Without their support, we wouldn’t be in a position to train new counsellors. We appeal to anyone interested in becoming a student counsellor or existing qualified counsellors wishing to work as relationship counsellors to get in touch. ’
 
Lulu Gillow, Chair of the Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘The Trustees recognise Relate’s crucial work in the Isle of Man, and additional counselling training is undoubtedly useful to help increase service delivery and reduce waiting times for existing and new clients.’
 
For more information about Relate Isle of Man visit: https://www.relate.org.uk/find-my-nearest-relate/centre/isle-man-relate-centre or call 623902.
 
To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust visit: www.mlt.org.im.