Charity seeks new funds for counselling

Funds are being raised to continue a charity which offers mental health counselling to teenagers in Whittlesey, Yaxley and Stanground.
Jay Prosser, Samantha Ronnay, Louise Russell and Michelle LayJay Prosser, Samantha Ronnay, Louise Russell and Michelle Lay
Jay Prosser, Samantha Ronnay, Louise Russell and Michelle Lay

The Whittlesey Young People’s Counselling Service faces a growing waiting list and uncertainty as to whether its funding for the past six years will be continued.

Since April 2014 the service, which is based at the Jenner Health Centre in Turners Lane, Whittlesey, says it has received 120 referrals from GP practices and schools.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of those referrals, 90 young people have received between six and 12 sessions of counselling each.

The fundraising campaign has begun well with a £3,500 donation from consumer insurance group BGL, whose head office is in Peterborough.

Louise Russell, the charity’s chairwoman, said: “I was really taken aback and choked by the value of the donation because it means we will be able to see 10 students which is pretty amazing.

“What took me aback even more was that they get other bids but everybody in their committee said yes to us straight away.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And in further goods news, the Norwich and Peterborough branch in Whittlesey has selected the service to be one of its nominated charities.

Cath Mitchell, local chief officer, Greater Peterborough Local Commissioning Group, said: “We are currently in the process of finalising our budgets and we are in discussions with Whittlesey Young People’s Counselling Service about the future funding for the service.”

The charity is also running a competition to design its new logo. Designs should be emailed to [email protected] or can be sent to the Jenner Health Centre marked for Louise Russell’s attention.

To donate, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/louise-russell-1.