At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide culturally responsive counselling and support for young people aged 8-24 from diverse backgrounds.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity supporting children and young people in Sussex and Surrey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while promoting mental health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, BACP accreditation, and experience with young people.
35.5 hours per week / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview).
YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.
Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified, experienced Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist to join our innovative Children and Young People (CYP) Wellbeing Service, the central hub for all mental health referrals for young people in Brighton & Hove. In this role, you will provide culturally responsive assessments, counselling (both face-to-face and online), and group work for children and young people aged 8–24 from Black, mixed heritage and Global Majority backgrounds. You will create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported to explore their wellbeing.
Alongside this, you will contribute to wider service delivery by supporting assessments and therapeutic interventions for young people from all backgrounds, helping ensure a flexible and responsive service. You will also play an active role in triaging referrals, working collaboratively across the CYP service to promote equitable and timely access to support.
A key part of the role is building meaningful relationships with Global Majority-led and community organisations, helping strengthen partnerships across the city. You’ll also share your expertise with colleagues, supporting inclusive practice, co-production, and equitable approaches to service design, recruitment and delivery.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
You will hold a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum two years), alongside BACP accreditation (or eligibility for accreditation) or registration with a relevant professional body. You will bring experience of working with children and young people aged 8–24 with mental health needs, including delivering evidence-based, low-intensity interventions. You are a confident and collaborative team player, comfortable working under supervision and within a multidisciplinary setting.
You will have strong safeguarding knowledge, the ability to run groups or structured activities, and be able to communicate clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing. You will have experience of supporting children and young people from mixed heritage or Global Majority backgrounds, with an understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice. Knowledge of, or experience working alongside, local statutory and voluntary services will be important in helping young people access the support they need.
Above all, you will be able to work ethically and effectively with children and young people within a time-limited framework, building trust, promoting resilience, and supporting positive outcomes.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 14 June 2026 at midnight.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.
An inclusive workplace: We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility: If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us. YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.
Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Preston employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to the wellbeing of children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. As a Wellbeing Counsellor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds while working within a passionate team that values connection and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work with children and young people. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to wellbeing counselling. Think about how you can showcase your experience with diverse backgrounds and culturally responsive practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Wellbeing Counsellor – Global Majorities Specialist in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Wellbeing Counsellor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work with children and young people, especially those from Global Majority backgrounds. We want to see how you've made a difference in their lives!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value genuine connections, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for supporting young people and your commitment to equity and inclusion in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the YMCA DownsLink Group’s mission and values. Understand their approach to mental health support for children and young people, especially those from Global Majority backgrounds. This will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience with children and young people aged 8–24, particularly in delivering culturally responsive counselling. Highlight any evidence-based interventions you've used and how they’ve positively impacted your clients.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current initiatives for supporting Global Majority communities or how they measure the success of their wellbeing services. This shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about the role.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The YMCA values building real connections, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for mental health and your commitment to supporting young people. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
