Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This research project examined the changing place of voluntary sector counselling in Scottish society by investigating the extent and character of voluntary sector counselling services, and by exploring the meaning and nature of counselling work to those involved in its provision. Over 100 in-depth qualitative interviews were carried out, 55 of which are archived in this collection.

Main Topics:

People work as volunteer counsellors for several different reasons, ranging from training for a new career, through engaging in meaningful work, to altruistic commitment to help others. From these interviews, voluntary sector counselling emerges as a practice that is animated by tensions between professional recognition/a sense of vocation, and between individual well-being/social action.

Purposive selection/case studies

Face-to-face interview