A first steps listening ear and counselling service is provided, offering initial support and advice and identifying and referring to specialist support services where appropriate. Two part time counsellors are currently employed. The service has been operating since December 2002.

There is not a waiting list for this service, making the service ideal for emergency and short term interventions as there are extensive waiting lists in the city for counselling services.

Two counsellors are currently providing 12 hours of counselling time each per week. One of these, for residents of the Middlefield area, is based at the Healthy Hoose in Logie Avenue (Tel. 661500).

The second counsellor, for residents of Fersands, Printfield and Tillydrone is currently based at St Machar Parent Support in Powis Place (Tel. 487813).