National Conference of Institute of Guidance Counsellors to take place in University of Limerick 26th - 28th February...

National Conference of Institute of Guidance Counsellors to take place in University of Limerick 26th - 28th February.
Guidance Counsellors to Discuss Themes of Care, Education and Wellbeing

The launch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) 2016 National Conference and AGM took place on November 20th at the University of Limerick (UL). The IGC are pleased to announce that the National Conference and AGM will also take place in UL on February 26th to 28th 2016. The Institute has over twelve hundred members nationwide and the conference will be hosted by the Tipperary branch.
As well as facilitating the two day conference, the University of Limerick has been unveiled as the main sponsor for this year’s event which is expected to attract guidance counsellors from all parts of the country. Supporting sponsorship will provided by   Limerick Institute of Technology, (LIT) Mary Immaculate College Limerick, (MIC) and Maynooth University (MU). University College Cork (UCC) and Careersportal are minor sponsors for the two day conference.
The guest speaker at the launch was award-winning actor Rachel Pilkington, a native of Tipperary.  Rachel is an ambassador for Pieta House and is very familiar with the work undertaken by guidance counsellors with vulnerable young people. Rachel said.”My wish is to see a change to the current structure of the educational system and to see great value placed on guidance counsellors, making them more widely accessible to all classes in all schools and colleges. We need more emphasis and more time invested in  the physical wellbeing of every young person, so that we really can help them to become all that they are capable of becoming”.
Mr. Niall Murphy, Chairperson of the Tipperary Branch of the IGC,  welcomed Rachel to the launch and  thanked Professor Paul McCutcheon, Vice President and Academic Registrar from the University of Limerick. He also thanked all those who have agreed to sponsor the 2016 conference. He outlined details of the conference including an extensive programme of continuing professional development workshops. Tipperary author and University of Limerick Writer in Residence, Donal Ryan is one of a number of keynote speakers who will address the conference.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Murphy said, “The quality and diversity of the workshops available and the opportunity to liaise with college representatives and colleagues on both days make this an opportunity not to be missed.” The conference is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as provision of continuing professional development for Guidance Counsellors.
The theme of the conference “A Guiding Light – Care, Education and Wellbeing for All” highlights the role which Guidance Counsellors wish to play in addressing the needs of their clients both at second level, in adult education and at third level.
In her address at the launch The President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors Ms. Betty McLaughlin said, “This conference will help foster and develop the understanding of the important of the guidance counselling service in Irish education.  Attending the conference will be invaluable to anyone involved in the field of education and guidance.
Offering guidance implies far more than just conveying information.   Guidance counselling is the stuff of dreams – it not only clarifies and inspires, it offers understanding and enlightenment - a prerequisite of empowerment.  
My colleagues and I are absolutely clear about two things: Firstly,  there are few tasks in our education and skills system that are more important than helping students to understand as early as possible the full life implications of the choices they are asked to make. Secondly, it is the role of Government to support all children to achieve their potential, through providing a universal entitlement to guidance counselling support.
I am looking forward to seeing a large number of guidance counsellors at our 2016 conference.”
Attendance at the Institute of Guidance Counsellor Conference is open to members and non-members. For registration please check our website at www.igc.ie

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