Claire Perkin

Adaptable, empathetic, and client-focused qualified counsellor. Recently completed BSc (Hons) degree with a first classification in Counselling from Staffordshire University, specialising modules chosen in both trauma counselling and counselling with children and young people. Counselling placement within NHS Staffs Counselling Service and additional volunteer at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise, providing one-to-one person-centered/integrative counselling to clients with a wide range of needs, emotional, mental and physical health difficulties.

My earlier career in local authority social care, welfare rights, project management, and various community work has helped me develop strong transferable skills in supporting both adults and children. I work well as part of a team, independently, or remotely. I can now seek paid counselling opportunities.

Counsellor at NHS Staff Support and Counselling Service (2024-09 – 2026-07)

Offering person-centered and integrative counselling and risk assess level 1 and level 2 clients, face-to-face, telephone, and TEAMS. Worked as counsellor in training placement and was offered an opportunity after placement to continue with the service for extra voluntary experience.

Full-Time Carer at Self-Employed (2011 – Present)

Caring for two children with complex additional needs while maintaining part-time professional family businesses and voluntary roles.

Business Support Manager at Frequency Hearing Ltd (2022 – 2024)

Help set up and support our family run home-visit audiology business.

• Responsible for administration, website content, enquiries, stock, banking, advertising, and customer support

Self-Employed Business Owner at Little Fire Nails and Beauty (2016 – 2021)

Operated a part-time mobile beauty business providing treatments to local clients.

• Managed client appointments, marketing, stock, and bookkeeping

Self-Employed Business Owner at Little Fire Boutique (2012 – 2016)

Creating and selling my own handmade, Trademark registered children's clothing at local fairs and retail outlets and baby/toddler groups.

Welfare Rights Officer at Staffordshire County Council (Social Care & Health) (2009 – 2012)

• Providing benefits advice to clients with disabilities and long-term health conditions
• Supported individuals transitioning from hospital to community settings
• Represented clients at appeals and tribunals
• Worked on contracts supporting people with terminal illness diagnosis

Project / Duty Manager at Maatwerk UK (ResCare Group) (2005 – 2008)

Promoted through multiple roles from Employment Counsellor to Project Manager.

• Led and facilitated teams supporting clients with health-related issues, disabilities, mental health issues, and substance misuse
• Delivered coaching, appraisals, and meetings

Job Matcher / Facilitator at Biscom Resource Management Ltd (ResCare Group) (2003 – 2005)

• Helped clients (adults/young people) overcome barriers to work through guidance, skills assessments, and organising job placements
• Collaborated with employers to arrange voluntary placements and long-term sustainable employment opportunities

Customer Account Manager at Household Bank (HFC) (2003 – 2003)

• Managed customer loan applications
• Provided financial guidance
• Customer service

Customer Services / Fraud Investigation at Argos Direct (1999 – 2003)

Progressed through roles in customer service, supplier accounts, and fraud investigation.

BSc (Hons) Counselling in Counselling – Staffordshire University (2026)

Foundation Degree (Level 5) in Counselling – The Open University/ CPCAB/BACP (2025)

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in Therapeutic Counselling – Derby Adult Learning Service (2023 – 2025)

CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies in Counselling (2023)

Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology in Psychology – The Open University (2022)

Level 2 - Functional skills qualification in Mathematics in Mathematics (2022)

Certificate in Health Sciences in Health Sciences – The Open University (2021)

Level 2 Awareness of Mental Health Problems in Mental Health – NCFE CACHE (2021)

Level 3 Child Psychology Diploma in Child Psychology – New Skills Academy (2020)

Level 2 Counselling Skills in Counselling – NCFE CACHE (2020)

Level 1 Awareness of Substance Misuse in Substance Misuse – NCFE CACHE (2020)

ADHD Awareness Diploma in ADHD – New Skills Academy (2019)

Autism awareness in Autism – Learn Direct (2019)