We would like to thank Pixel for supporting Counselling Plus to continue to offer professional counselling to local young people. Since our inception in 1992, the need for effective mental health support has hugely increased and whilst this is a positive change due to recognition of its importance, it does mean that we need additional support to meet this increased need.
Without professional support, some young people are driven to self-harm as a way to manage difficult emotions. We can help young people to face adult life by building their internal resources and increasing their resilience.
Hastings is the 17th most deprived area in the country, 14th lowest for income and also employment deprivation. The area is 299/324 lowest for social mobility. 36.7% of children live in poverty. 10.4% of our young people are NEET. Many feel that there is no hope and cannot see any future. Educational attainment is consistently low and poverty is clearly linked to poor mental health. The lack of employment and other opportunities in the area contributes to the despondency of our young clients and increases depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Recent feedback from a client (aged 17) shows the impact of the service:
Very kindly spoken to when assessed, made me feel comfortable in an anxious situation.
At the beginning of the sessions I was very uncomfortable and felt as though I had to be asked questions in order to speak, but over time I learnt that it was my space to use to speak about whatever I wanted to whether it related to my initial problems or not. This helped take the pressure off of me and gave me the space to explore my feelings. As a result, I was able to achieve things I’ve always wanted to and wasn’t sure I’d ever be capable of. It gave me confidence in myself and (counsellor) helped prepare me for any situation I found difficult to cope with using methods to ground me and I was able to understand the size of the issue in front of me. My counsellor validated my feelings & explained I didn’t have to feel guilty for my emotions.
Counselling with (counsellor) has helped me gain my life back and has given me the strength & bravery to continue facing things that scare me. Thank you so much (counsellor)! You don’t know how much you helped me.