Making Mental Health Support Accessible: Counselling In The Community

In Blackpool and the surrounding areas of Wyre and Fylde, accessing affordable mental health support can be a significant challenge. Recognising this gap, Counselling In The Community (CITC) has emerged as a vital resource, offering low-cost, donation-based counselling services to individuals of all ages.

A Community-Driven Approach to Mental Health

Founded to address the scarcity of accessible mental health services, CITC operates on a self-referral basis, ensuring that anyone seeking help can access support without lengthy waiting periods or prohibitive costs. With counselling sessions starting from as little as £5, the charity provides a lifeline to those who might otherwise go without assistance.

Comprehensive Support for All Ages

CITC offers counselling services to adults, children, and young people, with specialised facilities to cater to diverse needs. Their dedicated Children and Young Persons Centre in Bispham features a sensory room, providing a supportive environment for younger clients. Additional counselling hubs are located in South Shore, Cleveleys, and within Fleetwood Hospital, ensuring broader community reach.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services

In areas where mainstream services are often overstretched, CITC plays a crucial role in alleviating the burden on the NHS. Estimates suggest that the therapy provided by CITC would cost the NHS approximately £3,750 weekly if delivered through traditional channels. Despite this significant contribution, the charity operates without direct NHS funding, relying instead on donations and volunteer support.

Empowering Through Volunteering

The strength of CITC lies in its dedicated team of volunteers. With 82 volunteers and four trustees, the charity fosters a community-centric approach to mental health care. This model not only ensures the sustainability of services but also empowers individuals within the community to contribute to collective well-being.

How You Can Support CITC

As a small charity making a substantial impact, CITC welcomes support from individuals and organisations alike. Donations help maintain and expand their services, ensuring that more people can access the mental health support they need. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution makes a difference.

To learn more or get involved, visit counsellinginthecommunity.com or their Wonderful.org page.