The Diocese of Chelmsford has arrangements with counselling services for the provision of confidential counselling for clergy, spouses and family members, and offers the Licensed Ministers Assistance Programme to all licensed ministers (LLMs and clergy) and their households.
CLERGY: counselling services
We offer confidential counselling, via three agencies, to clergy. But if you need a quick conversation with somoeone rather than a course of counselling, you may wish to scroll down to the Licensed Ministers Assistance Programme below.
The three counselling services with whom we have arrangements are accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. They are: Renew, The Stockwell Centre and Counsel for Life.
Why is it needed?
Ministry brings unique and particular stresses. These often impinge not only on the clergy but also on their spouses and families. The resulting burden can lead to difficulties in coping with life and ministry. In such circumstances a confidential, independent and professional service, outside of the church and Diocesan structures, is essential for the wellbeing of clergy, spouses and their families.
The confidential arrangements we have with counselling services provides such help. This means that senior clergy, including Bishops and Archdeacons, and no other diocesan employee need know who is accessing counselling services. Your confidentiality is primary in our provision of these services.
Counselling can also be obtained through the Clergy Support Trust charity. Please contact them direct if you are wanting to use this route.
Who is it for?
These confidential services are available to licensed clergy, clergy holding PTO, and stipendiary lay ministers, their spouses, and their immediate dependent families. LLMs are not eligible (but please see the section for LLMs below).
What is provided?
The counselling provided is short-term, solution-focussed counselling and will usually be concluded within 12 fifty minute weekly sessions. In exceptional circumstances the counselling service may be extended beyond 12 sessions.
The counselling will enable the client to talk their situation through, to come to a deeper understanding of the issues, and to find support in making their own decisions about coping and living more effectively.
How may I access the service?
Contact Revd David Blackledge (Co-ordinator for Counselling Support) by email at DavidJBlackledge@aol.com. If you have any questions about the system, you can always contact Andy Griffiths (Lead Adviser for Formation and Wellbeing).
CLERGY: Licensed Ministers Assistance Programme
In addition to this provision, for licensed clergy (stipendiary and self-supporting), from January 2026 we are making available the Licensed Ministers Assistance Programme. This also covers Spouses and adult children (ages 16-24) living in the same household, including those living away at university but still registered at their parents’ address. Note that LMAP is not available to those with PTO.
These services are provided by the organisation “health assured”, and you may see them referred to as an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). Of course, as a member of clergy you are not employed, whether you are stipendiary or not. Don’t worry – the Diocese of Chelmsford are paying into the scheme to ensure that you have full access to it.
Counselling
Counselling services offered by LMAP are completely free and confidential, allowing individuals 24/7 access for help with in the moment issues, covering matters such as stress, bereavement, childcare problems, financial worries. It is very much an immediate service, and turnaround times are very quick, with no waiting list for counselling/support. Just call the LMAP 0800 number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. (If you need the number and can't find it in your correspondence, just contact Andy Griffiths). It is not, however, a substitute for the face to face counselling offered through the Diocesan programme.
And LMAP isn’t just about counselling.
Introducing My Healthy Advantage
As part of the Licensed Ministers’ Assistance Programme, you have access to My Healthy Advantage, Health Assured’s comprehensive health and wellbeing website and smartphone app.
Through My Healthy Advantage, you will have access to a range of features, all aimed at improving your health and wellbeing. These include:
• Live chat and support
• Personalised news feed
• Weekly mood tracker
• Four-week plans
• Mini health checks
• Breathing techniques
• Health hub & goals
• Achievements & recognition
• Perks & discounts
• Leaderboards
• Contact directory
Available for iOS and Android devices, you can access My Healthy Advantage with the following login credentials:
Just go to www.healthassured.org/your-eap/ and choose “Wisdom log in”.
Unique organisational code: available from the Lead Adviser for Formation and Wellbeing; or check your correspondence for the code.
The first time you log in, you’ll need to set up a password; you can leave the entry for “department” blank.
The app will also give you access to BrightTV - an exclusive series featuring well-known personalities sharing their personal experiences with mental health. Including Dame Kelly Holmes, Ruby Wax OBE, Andy Reid MBE, Sally Gunnell OBE, Gemma Oaten and Carrie & Clarke Carlisle.
Special offers
Once you’ve logged into My Healthy Advantage, you can use the same details for Bright Exchange, which features various special offers – at the moment these include discounted hotel breaks, vegan supplements, cider and driving lessons.
In addition to counselling support, advice and the app, Health Assured also offer a virtual library of wellbeing information. Their articles and self-help guides provide support on a range of health and advisory issues, as well as instant guidance to aid your physical and mental health.
LLMs
For some years, we have offered confidential counselling to clergy and their dependents. I’ve been determined for a while that we should extend provision to yourselves.
So for LLMs, from January 2026 we are making available the Licensed Ministers Assistance Programme. This also covers Spouses and adult children (ages 16-24) living in the same household, including those living away at university but still registered at their parents’ address. Please note however that it is not available to those with PTO.
These services are provided by the organisation “health assured”, and you may see them referred to as an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). Of course, as an LLM you are not employed. Don’t worry – the Diocese of Chelmsford are paying into the scheme to ensure that you have full access to it.
Counselling
Counselling services offered by LMAP are completely free and confidential, allowing individuals 24/7 access for help with in the moment issues, covering matters such as stress, bereavement, childcare problems, financial worries. It is very much an immediate service, and turnaround times are very quick, with no waiting list for counselling/support. Just call the 0800 number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Part of the service includes access to six counselling sessions per year, per issue (by teams or telephone). If you don't find the 0800 number in your correspondence, just contact Andy or Caroline.
And LMAP isn’t just about counselling.
Introducing My Healthy Advantage
As part of the Licensed Ministers’ Assistance Programme, you have access to My Healthy Advantage, Health Assured’s comprehensive health and wellbeing website and smartphone app.
Through My Healthy Advantage, you will have access to a range of features, all aimed at improving your health and wellbeing. These include:
• Live chat and support
• Personalised news feed
• Weekly mood tracker
• Four-week plans
• Mini health checks
• Breathing techniques
• Health hub & goals
• Achievements & recognition
• Perks & discounts
• Leaderboards
• Contact directory
Available for iOS and Android devices, you can access My Healthy Advantage with the following login credentials:
Just go to www.healthassured.org/your-eap/ and choose “Wisdom log in”.
Unique organisational code: if you don't find this in your correspondence, you can get it from Andy or Caroline.
The first time you log in, you’ll need to set up a password; you can leave the entry for “department” blank.
The app will also give you access to BrightTV - an exclusive series featuring well-known personalities sharing their personal experiences with mental health. Including Dame Kelly Holmes, Ruby Wax OBE, Andy Reid MBE, Sally Gunnell OBE, Gemma Oaten and Carrie & Clarke Carlisle.
Special offers
Once you’ve logged into My Healthy Advantage, you can use the same details for Bright Exchange, which features various special offers – at the moment these include discounted hotel breaks, vegan supplements, cider and driving lessons.
In addition to counselling support, advice and the app, Health Assured also offer a virtual library of wellbeing information. Their articles and self-help guides provide support on a range of health and advisory issues, as well as instant guidance to aid your physical and mental health.