Information for those registering for email counselling:

1. Please read through the Service Agreement and when you click 'I agree' you'll be redirected to a registration form. Once you have filled this in you will be given information about where to send your first email.
2. Ensure you have read through the FAQsLink opens in a new window so that you know what to expect from the Email Counselling Service.

Please be aware the Email Counselling Service is NOT suitable for you to use if you are feeling suicidal or at extreme risk. Please seek out more appropriate support.

SERVICE AGREEMENT

As a user of the University Email Counselling Service, you agree

• To ensure the computer you use is safe, perhaps password protected and as virus free as possible. NB We strongly recommend you use your Warwick email address for more secured privacy.
• To try to express yourself as clearly as possible to avoid ambiguity where possible and check with your email counsellor if there is anything that is unclear.
• To let your email counsellor know if you do not intend to continue email counselling.
• To comply with intellectual property rights and not modify, copy, transmit or reproduce all or any part of the e-mail correspondence.
• To refrain from being abusive to the counsellor or using excessively abusive language.
• To refrain from divulging activity which, for example, leaves you or a third party actively at risk.

The Email Counselling Service agrees:

• To respond to e-mails in the specified time (notwithstanding unforeseen circumstances). During exceptionally busy periods it may be a while before you receive your first reply, but we will always contact you within three weeks.
• To ensure the computers used are safe, password protected and as virus free as possible.
• To take reasonable steps (within the bounds of confidentiality) to keep you informed in the case of unforeseen counsellor absence.
• To endeavour to get in touch as soon as is practicable, in the event of computer system failure.
• To uphold confidentiality within the limitations of the security inherent within University of Warwick e-mail communication.
• To store e-mails in a password-protected computer email folder accessible only by the e-mail counsellor(s). Email folders (containing registration and correspondence) are deleted after 6 years.
• To disclose client information, according to professional guidelines, only at times of risk e.g. extreme danger to self or others.
• To ensure that you are offered the most appropriate support, we may on occasion, discuss your wellbeing with members of the University support staff team involved with welfare.
• To ensure good professional email counselling practice, any emails sent into the email counselling service may possibly be looked over and read by one of the email counsellors at any time (ie not just on the allocated Thursdays) but this is not part of ongoing regular procedures.
• To ensure arrangements for clinical supervision to maintain professional standards.
• To abide by the Ethical Framework for Good Practice as produced by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and work to their Guidelines for Online Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Privacy Statement for Wellbeing

The University of Warwick through Wellbeing and Student Support (‘we’) will process personal data (‘your information’) that you provide within this form, which could include disability and health related information for the purpose(s) of offering you appropriate support that is suitable for your needs and ensuring the wellbeing of the University community.

There are various ways in which we lawfully process your information which are set out in our main Privacy Notice.

Your information will not be shared or disclosed without your consent, except with statutory services who will process it for the purpose(s) of wellbeing and safety in the case of emergencies when there is a risk to yourself/others.

If your information is ever to be transferred outside of the EEA then we will advise you and take steps to protect it, Your information will be retained in accordance with our retention policy.

The University of Warwick is the Data Controller of your information and is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in line with Data Protection Legislation. Please read the Wellbeing and Student Support Privacy NoticeLink opens in a new window for further information relating to your rights and how the University processes your personal data. The University's Data Protection Officer can be contacted through DPO@warwick.ac.uk and any requests or complaints should be made in writing to the University's Data Protection Officer.

By clicking 'I agree' (below) you consent to Wellbeing and Student Support storing and further processing your information. You also consent to your information being shared with the appropriate team within the service so that you can receive the most appropriate support.

I agree - this will take you to the next step - and give you the email address so you can start writing in.