A COUNSELLING service in Poole is celebrating three years of helping the community through its affordable mental health services.

Set up in 2021 and ran by a team of volunteer counsellors, Poole Community Counselling based in Old Town offers sessions ranging from £15 to £35, based on a sliding scale linked to income.

It provides between 100 and 450 hours of voluntary counselling as part of trainee placements.

“During my 150 hours of voluntary counselling at Poole Community Counselling, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact this service has on people who are often overlooked by overstretched NHS services,” said a recent placement counsellor.

“One of my clients, who came in feeling suicidal, found herself unable to access NHS group counselling due to severe anxiety and transport issues.

“After 15 sessions, she made remarkable progress towards living a more social and balanced life.

“This is just one of many stories illustrating the life-changing power of the work we do.”

Since its inception, Poole Community Counselling has partnered with local charities, including #WillDoes, which funds counselling for young people aged 18-25, Sovereign Network Group a property company with a social purpose have helped Poole Community Counselling by donating to their work with new parents and funding 6 counselling sessions for those adjusting to parenthood.

Poole Community Counselling have also been working with universities in Bournemouth, offering discounted sessions for students.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Unlike the time-limited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy often provided by the NHS, the counsellors are trained in Integrated Counselling, tailoring therapy to individual needs.

“They use various techniques and offer open-ended sessions, allowing clients the time they need to heal fully.

“Research supports the importance of sustained, therapeutic relationships between counsellor and client in achieving successful outcomes.”

As mental health service demand continues to exceed supply, Poole Community Counselling is inviting local charities and groups to collaborate, helping expand access to affordable mental health care.

“Poole Community Counselling has the infrastructure and capacity to help more people who are struggling with their mental health,” said Jane Zoega, company director.

“With more support and collaboration, we could make an even greater impact and ensure more people, especially those falling through the cracks, receive the care they need.”

For more information or partnership inquiries, visit https://www.poolecommunitycounsellingcic.org or contact 07745212041 or email enquiry@poolecommunitycounsellingcic.org