Counselling Policy
1. Purpose
EGFR Positive UK is committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of individuals affected by EGFR-positive lung cancer. To this end, we offer one-to-one counselling sessions with qualified professionals. This policy outlines the terms under which these sessions are made available.
2. Eligibility
Counselling sessions are available only to: - Individuals diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer who are registered members of EGFR Positive UK; and - Their immediate carers (e.g., spouse, partner, parent, child, or primary support person).
3. Scope of Support
Counselling is intended to provide emotional and psychological support related to the challenges of living with or caring for someone with EGFR-positive lung cancer. Sessions will not provide: - Medical diagnosis or treatment - Legal or financial advice - Crisis intervention or emergency services- counsellors cannot provide emergency support for patients or loved ones in crisis. Those feeling overwhelmed or at breaking point, should seek help immediately using the resources listed on the EGFR+UK https://www.egfrpositive.org.uk/crisis-support
4. Access and Booking
Sessions will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Each eligible individual may access up to six (6) sessions in total. All sessions must be pre-booked through the process outlined by EGFR Positive UK.
5. Counsellors
Counselling sessions are delivered by professionally qualified counsellors who are: - Registered with appropriate professional bodies - Receive appropriate supervision in line with professional body requirements. Participants will be offered a choice of counsellors, including (where possible) male and female counsellors, to help accommodate personal preferences. All counsellors maintain professional indemnity and liability coverage and adhere to ethical standards of practice.
6. Funding and Continuity
These counselling sessions are provided free of charge, funded by charitable donations and grants. Availability is not guaranteed and may be subject to: - Changes in funding - Counsellor capacity - Organisational needs
EGFR Positive UK reserves the right to withdraw, suspend, or amend the service at any time without notice.
7. Cancellations and Missed Appointments
Counselling sessions should not be cancelled except in the case of a genuine emergency. If a session is cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time without emergency justification, a £25 cancellation fee payable to EGFR+UK will apply. Repeated short-notice cancellations may lead to termination of access to further sessions.
8. Limitation of Liability
While EGFR Positive UK organises contact with appropriate counsellors, the charity is not responsible for: - The personal choices made by participants during or after counselling - Any outcomes beyond the professional scope of psychological support Complaints may be addressed through the charity’s internal feedback and complaints process. Each counsellor also has their own complaints process, which can also be used in the event of you wishing to raise concerns about the individual counsellor.
9. Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Counsellors are bound by ethical frameworks which include standards around confidentiality. The limits of confidentiality will be fully discussed with your counsellor as part of your initial session. Confidentiality may be breached in certain circumstances, including (but not limited to) when: - There is a risk of serious harm to the participant or others - Safeguarding concerns involve children or vulnerable adults In such cases, information may be shared with relevant authorities, in accordance with legal and professional obligations. All personal data will be stored according to GDPR guidelines.
10. Review and Amendments
This policy will be reviewed annually and may be updated as necessary to reflect changes in service provision or organisational needs.
Contact
For information or to book a session, please contact:
Email: membersupport@egfrpositive.org.uk
28th August 2025