YMCA Bournemouth is thrilled to announce that it has received a £5,000 grant from the Talbot Village Trust to continue providing its free, transformative counselling service for those in need. This generous funding will enable the charity to offer 100 additional therapy sessions to individuals facing multiple disadvantages, including at-risk young people, single and homeless adults, and families living in poverty.
The free counselling service at YMCA Bournemouth has seen a significant increase in demand, with a 180% rise in referrals over the past four years. This growing demand reflects the increasing need for accessible mental health support within the community. Thanks to the Talbot Village Trust’s support, YMCA Bournemouth will continue to offer critical one-on-one sessions, available within seven days of initial contact or sooner in urgent cases.
In 2023 alone, YMCA Bournemouth delivered 2,799 free counselling sessions, saving individuals an estimated £139,950. Not only does this service ease pressure on the NHS, but it also helps to build resilience and improve the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the local area.
Feedback from clients underscores the profound impact of the service. One client shared, “Therapy has helped me find a new perspective on the world and myself. I can cope better and enjoy life far more.” Another client reflected, “Counselling has helped me improve my life immensely, and I’ve strengthened relationships—not only with myself but with others too.”
Amanda Clark, Counselling Lead for YMCA Bournemouth, said, “We are so very grateful for the funding from Talbot Village Trust. Grants like this enable us to provide an accessible counselling service for the local BCP community, offering vital support when people need it most.”
YMCA Bournemouth is deeply thankful to the Talbot Village Trust for its continued support, which makes it possible to provide these life-changing therapy sessions.
Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “Mental health support can be life-changing, and YMCA Bournemouth is helping those who need it most to access counselling without barriers. It is important that services like these continue to be available, and we at Talbot Village Trust are grateful to play a part in helping to make that happen.”
For more information about YMCA Bournemouth’s counselling service or to learn how to access support, visit YMCA Bournemouth’s website www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk
