New "affordable" counselling service for young people launches in Peterborough
A new initiative designed to support the mental health of young people across Peterborough has launched this month.
City charity Boxing Futures now offers a new counselling service, described as “low-cost and high-quality” – with a limited number of free places awarded to individuals in particular need.
From November, young people can receive professional counselling from qualified practitioners for just £25 per hour.
Each client will receive 10 one-hour sessions, with additional support if needed. Though the service will prioritise individuals aged 14-19 years, the sessions are targeted at those aged 12-25 years.
Additionally, Boxing Futures is offering free places to individual with certain circumstances.
Based in Yaxley, the charity works with vulnerable young people in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. It offers programmes of non-contact boxing and therapeutic talk to help build their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Boxing Futures CEO Anthony York said: “We are delighted to be offering this service, which reflects our ongoing commitment to address the needs of the young people we serve.
“The NHS estimates that one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 in England have a probable mental health condition. Waiting times in England are too long. In 2022-2023, 6,300 children and young people had waited more than two years before beginning treatment. Yet private counselling sessions, which range from £50 to £150 per 50-minute session, are out of reach for many.”
Unique collaborative service
Operations Manager Jamie Weston said: “Ours is a unique model. To keep services affordable and impactful, we’re teaming up with Diploma Level 4 counselling students who need placement hours. Under expert supervision, students gain experience while the community receives essential support.”
Psychotherapists Stefanie Radjenovic and Daniella Smith (registered BACP members) lead the clinical team. They will assess each referral, “ensuring those in need of the support are assigned to the most appropriate practitioner”.
They will also offer hands-on supervision while students secure external clinical supervisors, and work personally with clients requiring higher levels of intervention.
Stefanie commented: “This program represents our commitment to a holistic approach to wellbeing, addressing the growing need for accessible mental health care in our region. We’re not just supporting individuals; we’re training future professionals and strengthening community resilience."
For more information or to sign up, email Jamie Weston, Operations Manager, at [email protected]