Communities Positive Change Fund has provided £2,500 of match funding
Supporting mental health in our local community
Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Aim
In response to increasing demand, we are seeking to raise £10K to fund 230 additional counselling sessions for those in need.
Who are we?
The Olive Branch Counselling Service is a charity serving the community of Winchester and surrounding areas. Our beneficiaries have gone through a range of difficult lived experiences, including bereavement, relationship breakdown, abuse, trauma, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, depression and ill health.
We’re a small charity with 4 part-time staff and aim to help 300+ people in 2022. Our 41 counsellors are volunteers and are either fully qualified or training to be a counsellor. They are passionate about helping people in need and in turn we support their continuous professional development. Since 2017 we have supported 1,605 clients. 61% were from zero or low-income backgrounds. 54% had experienced anxiety or depression. 99% said counselling positively impacted their life.
Why do we need your help?
Along with rising inflation, soaring energy costs, war in Ukraine and continued covid-19 infections, demand for our services has never been greater - especially for those on zero or low incomes.
Whilst some counselling is available on the NHS, it’s only on a short-term basis – offering several sessions and often has very long waiting lists. For many with entrenched problems this isn’t enough to have a positive impact on their lives. Most local counselling providers are private practices charging over £45 an hour. Those on zero or low incomes are shut out of accessing these services as they simply can’t afford it.
We urgently require donations to help us respond to the rise in demand for our services and make sure that those on low incomes are not shut out of accessing our support.
All donations made to our crowdfunding campaign will be matched by Winchester City Council up to the value of £4000. Please help us make this campaign count. Your donation will make a real difference to those who need support during this difficult time and help make our community a happier and healthier place.
This project successfully funded on 15th September 2022