A TEAM of counsellors from Focus Frome, and their friends and partners, are channelling their inner Wim Hoff this winter as they take on the Wiltshire Wild Swim Charity Frostbite Challenge to raise essential funding for mental health provision in Frome and surrounding villages.
From the 1st of November until the 28th of February 2023 (inclusive) the Focus fundraisers will join a team of other swimmers, all raising money for different causes. They will undertake at least 12 open cold water swims in the local lakes, rivers, sea and any unheated outdoor pool/ Lido.
Participants must be fully submerged and swim a distance of their choice. The fundraisers must complete at least one swim a month, so the swims are spread out across the coldest months of the year!
This is the third Wiltshire Wild Swim Frostbite Challenge. It is the brainchild of Julie Harrington, who set it up to raise funds for Young Lives Vs Cancer. She said, “My hope is that this challenge will raise lots of dosh, but also nurture our own mental health at the same time as doing something bonkers! Over the years the ‘Frostbiters’ have raised thousands of pounds for Young Lives Vs Cancer, as well as many other worthy causes.”
Focus Frome fills an identified gap in services for the local population – namely that there is limited subsidised professional counselling services for children, young people, adults and families in the town and surrounding villages.
Lucia Chadwick, Focus Frome practice manager and counsellor said, “The need for fundraising of any sort for our service continues. Our referrals mainly come via GPs, health connectors, social workers, education establishments, YMCA, Fair Frome and family support workers. 80% of our clients are on some form of reduced rate system. We work with all presenting problems, from anxiety and depression, to bereavement and trauma.
“Focus Frome is based at St John’s Cottage in the forecourt of St John’s Church. This peaceful setting in the heart of Frome provides a safe, welcoming and homely space for those in need of our services in the town and surrounding areas.
“A team of 11 professional person-centred counsellors are available for adults, young people, children, couples and families. We offer counselling face to face, online, via telephone, and some walk and talk sessions.
“Focus Frome is a branch of Focus Counselling which is a highly respected and busy counselling agency in the centre of Bath which has been serving the community for 22 years.
Last year, the charity provided over 5,000 hours of counselling. The agency abides by the code and ethics of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. “To make an appointment with Focus Frome you can call 01373 485051 or call the Bath office which is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7.30pm. There is a 24-hour answering machine and we will call you back as soon as possible. Counselling is available from Monday to Friday.”
To support the intrepid wild swimmers, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/Focusfrostbite
