As part of our ‘under the spotlight’ series, we interview Sophie Howell, our social worker and counsellor and find out what makes her tick!

What got you interested in becoming a counsellor?

I knew early on that I wanted a carer helping people. After my undergraduate degree (in criminology and criminal justice) I completed an MA in social work. I soon realised that, due to budgets and workload, social work didn’t give me enough time to sit with people, to listen to them and allow them to be really heard and to support them in making changes in their lives. I completed an evening course in counselling and knew immediately that counselling was what I was supposed to do.

What support and services have been developed at HI Friends to help improve mental health and wellbeing?

HI Friends recognise that isolation, loneliness and a lack of connection contribute greatly to poor mental wellbeing. Therefore, we run a number of groups to reduce this, mainly through our older people’s services. We have recently started Roots and Branches which is a male support group as well as the introduction of a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) parent support group. We’re also passionate about providing knowledge, understanding, tools and techniques on managing mental wellbeing to as many people as possible. As a result, in December 2023, I began delivering the Flourishing Starts wellbeing programme to children at both local primary schools. I have also been delivering a wellbeing programme to students at IVC as part of iCAS for the last 5 years.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role at HI Friends?

The most rewarding part is how engaged and excited the children are in the flourishing starts programme and seeing them build up their own wellbeing toolboxes to begin managing their wellbeing. I also love hearing stories of the children sharing breathing techniques, such as hand breathing or hot chocolate breathing, with siblings, parents and grandparents! 

Taking the first steps to seek help for mental health can be a big step – what is your advice around this?

Start by sharing how you’re feeling with someone you trust and allow them to support you. You can look into what’s available together rather than trying to do it on your own.

What can we do for ourselves and others to promote good mental health and mental health awareness?

Take some time to recognise what you need and then think about where in your life that need is being met and what areas are missing or require a bit more attention. It can be helpful to start by thinking about your needs in 4 components: physical, emotional, social and cognitive. Following the 5 ways to wellbeing is a really good start. Don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling and ask others what’s going on for them. It really is good to talk! 

And finally…what makes you happy?!

I’m happiest when I’m with family or friends, with my cat, eating my favourite foods, drinking coffee, watching a good film and chatting about anything and everything! I also love Christmas!