The Gibraltar College proudly celebrated a milestone as it awarded certificates to its first ever cohort of fully qualified counsellors. The special ceremony, attended by guests, faculty members, and proud family and friends, marked the culmination of a five-year journey that began in 2019.

The programme, a pioneering initiative in collaboration with the UK’s leading counselling qualification provider, CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body), was designed to equip students with the skills and expertise necessary to support mental health and well-being in the community.

The ceremony was hosted by Deputy Mayor Nicky Guerrero at the City Hall, who welcomed those present.

Minister for Education John Cortes then stressed the importance of supporting mental health professionals and of providing training in this field, and emphasised the continuing relevance of the Gibraltar College, as a Community College, in providing opportunities in a wide range of subjects relevant to our needs.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gibraltar College Principal Daniel Benrimoj highlighted the significance of the achievement: "These eleven outstanding individuals have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their studies. Their journey has been one of personal and professional transformation, and today, they stand ready to make a real difference in people’s lives."

The rigorous training involved 600 guided learning hours, 100 hours of client work, clinical supervision, and personal therapy. Their determination was further tested by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, making their success all the more remarkable.

A special acknowledgment was given to the organisations that welcomed trainees for their placement hours, providing them with vital experience in real-world counselling settings. The Gibraltar College extended its gratitude to the Gibraltar Health Authority, Schools Counselling Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, Central Clinic, and the College Clinic for their invaluable support in helping trainees complete their 100 hours of client work.

Gibraltar College Counselling Lecturer Mark Montovio also added: “It has been a wonderful journey from the start. So many individuals and organisations have contributed to the programme’s success, but Pili Rodriguez from the Citizen's Advice Bureau was instrumental in raising awareness of the great need for this initiative. Daniel Benrimoj, who at the time was responsible for managing professional programmes, had the vision to see it through and nurture its growth, despite the many challenges along the way. As therapeutic counsellors and trainers, that is exactly what we do: provide a space for growth so that those accessing it can move towards a better future and see their vision materialise. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside past student, and now respected colleague, Nuria Gomez.”

Genevieve Bossino-Soussi, one of the graduates, expressed the cohort's pride in receiving their certificates as qualified counsellors: "We are incredibly proud to receive our certificates as qualified counsellors. The training we have received has been exceptional, providing us with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and ethical principles that we will carry with us throughout our careers. We are truly thankful for the dedication and expertise of the Gibraltar College and our tutors who have guided and supported us along the way. We are committed to upholding the high standards of professionalism instilled in us through our training. And, as a testament to that commitment, we are very pleased to announce the revival of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Forum. We believe this forum will provide a valuable platform for continued learning, peer support, standards, and professional development. We look forward to contributing to the future of this profession. Thank you."

Fellow graduate Sylvana Benrimoj also reflected on the personal transformation that the course has offered: "Embarking on this journey is a profound experience of self-transformation, enabling individuals to confront their fears and insecurities, build resilience, and make meaningful changes towards the life they truly desire. Whether or not you choose to become a counsellor, this course will enhance your ability to listen, deepen your understanding of others, and offer a fresh perspective on life.

"This experience has the potential to help you become the best version of yourself. As a group, we have supported one another in our growth, developed greater inner strength, and now look forward to inspiring change in others."

With mental health becoming an increasingly recognised priority, Gibraltar College hopes this programme will pave the way for greater professional recognition of counsellors in the region.

As the graduates embark on their new careers, the College encourages them to continue learning and developing their skills. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the speech concluded with a fitting reminder:

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

The ceremony ended with the official handover of certificates, marking not just the completion of the course but the beginning of a new chapter for Gibraltar’s mental health support network.