Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy launched the Youth Space project offering free counselling to young people in Frome aged 15–18, in September 2015.
The project has been successful in finding a venue donated through Aster housing in Frome and are in negotiations with another venue closer to the college.
Organisers of the project explain, “To date over 60 referrals have been received, some from young people making direct contact as the project begins to become more established and word of mouth referrals are increasing. The project strives to include those young people who may not ordinarily access counselling.
“Some parents have recognised the need to access their own counselling in order to help understand their role with their son/daughter’s difficulties. Some testimonials received from young people include; ‘I haven’t lost it as much as usual’, ‘It’s been a great help and has helped me to build my confidence,’ and ‘It’s helped me deal with things and grow confidence in myself.’
“The scheme is working with young people to help prevent escalation of problems in the future by learning to recognise their own patterns and feel more open to accessing counselling in the future; to feel more able to make friends and have increased self-awareness. In some cases they have recognised their need to access more specialist services.
“A need has been identified within the 15-18 year old female population of young and pregnant mothers. The development of a weekly group with the objective of increasing the young person’s self awareness, and to learn about their own patterns of relating and how this impacts on others including their baby/potential baby and other family members.
“The next steps Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy are looking to take on more counsellors for the project to increase the number of available sessions and to gain funding for the future. If you have a recognised counselling qualification and would like to become part of the team as a volunteer counsellor please get in touch with us.
“This project would not have been possible without the generous support of local donators including Frome Inner Wheel, Frome Lions, and Frome Rotary Club and strong financial support from The Big Lottery fund. Our funding will allow us to continue offering counselling up until July 2017.
“Please help us to continue to provide this important and necessary service for our local young people by donating through Wessex Counselling and psychotherapy service.”
For more information, please contact office@ wessexcp.co.uk or visit www.wessexcp.co.uk
