This Trustees' Week, we're celebrating someone who has been at the very heart of Guernsey Counselling Service for more than 20 years.
For those who know GCS, Sarah T. needs little introduction. A counsellor, former Clinical Lead and longstanding member of our Board, she has been one of the driving forces behind the charity, giving an extraordinary amount of her time, care and energy to supporting people in Guernsey.
Her contribution has helped shape the service we know today, and we're delighted to share a little of her story.
How it all began
Sarah arrived in Guernsey in 2004, bringing with her a background in nursing and healthcare. When the opportunity arose to train as a counsellor, it felt like a natural extension of the work she'd already been doing.
What began as an interest in counselling became a commitment that would span more than two decades.
She's been part of GCS since its earliest days as Philippi Guernsey, through its rebranding in 2020 and the many changes and challenges along the way.
Looking back, she has a lovely way of describing how the charity has developed:
It could possibly be likened to the small beginnings of an acorn, and now it is a small oak tree, starting to flourish.
It's a fitting description of a charity that has grown steadily, thanks in no small part to the dedication of people like Sarah.
Why GCS matters
Throughout those years, one belief has remained at the centre of her work: that professional counselling should be available to people who might otherwise struggle to afford it.
As she explains:
Guernsey is a beautiful island and a wonderful place to live. However, living on an island brings its unique challenges for many people, more so than where people are not confined by a limited perimeter. Therefore, having an accessible Service where someone can share their problems, feel supported and less alone, is paramount and is the reason that we keep working hard to ensure that the Service is able to keep going.
It's this understanding of our community, and the difference that having someone to talk to can make, that has helped sustain GCS through its own challenging times.
A familiar face through changing times
Over the past 20 years, Sarah has worn several hats. She's worked directly with clients as a counsellor, served as Clinical Lead and helped guide the charity as a member of the Board.
As counsellors have joined, trained and moved on, she's been a constant presence, offering continuity, experience and a deep understanding of what GCS stands for.
And while much of that work has taken place quietly behind the scenes, its value to the charity has been enormous.
For Sarah though, it's the people she's worked with who have made those years so meaningful.
It has been a huge privilege to have accompanied individuals on their counselling journey and I feel confident that GCS will continue to do so for years to come with the current dedicated people.
A very special thank you
Trustees' Week is an opportunity to recognise the people who give their time to help charities thrive. And we couldn't let the occasion pass without celebrating Sarah T.
For more than 20 years, she has given GCS something that can't easily be measured in hours or job descriptions: her commitment, her experience, her compassion and her belief in the importance of what we do.
From those early days to the charity we are today, she's helped nurture that little acorn into a growing oak tree.
Thank you, Sarah for everything you've done, and continue to do, for GCS and the people of Guernsey. We're very lucky to have you.
