30th Anniversary
(c) Matthew Armstrong / Flickr
Chichester Counselling Services – 30th Anniversary
Chichester Counselling Services is a voluntary agency that has been providing high-quality affordable counselling and counselling training to the residents of Chichester District for 30 years. Now based in Little London, Chichester, they offer a rarely available service – affordable confidential counselling, for as many sessions as the client wants or needs, and a range of other therapy options.
Offering over 100 sessions per week to clients who come from all over the district and sometimes beyond, Chichester Counselling Services is often recommended by GPs to patients suffering from stress and anxiety, depression, relationship problems, breavement, and issues from the past that remain unresolved.
Jan Irwin, Counselling Manager, says ‘difficult financial times often add stress to relationships and family life. The opportunity to talk with a trained counsellor can be invaluable in releasing painful emotions, and lead to finding new ways forward’.
Clients have commented:
‘I have a much better understanding of why my problems affected me in the way they did. I have been off anti-depressants since March, which is a result in itself.’
‘I am now able to carry out my day to day life again with confidence, which I was not able to do before.’
‘Life is certainly looking rosier. In addition I do know that help is at hand if I need it.’
For those looking for a career in counselling, CCS provides a nationally accredited training, leading to a Certificate, and then a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. The supportive community at CCS is an important part of the training experience. Many counsellors stay with CCS after qualification to offer their counselling expertise on a part-time voluntary basis.
Providing professional counselling to those unable to afford a commercial rate is always going to be a financial challenge, but CCS is grateful to local trust funds and receives a small amount from local councils. Volunteer administrative support is always welcome.
Paul Smith, the Acting Chief Executive of CCS, says ‘we have marked our 30th Anniversary with a very successful conference for counselling professionals, and plan a CCS reunion in the autumn. These are difficult times for voluntary agencies but with a strong professional team and commitment to our core mission we hope to continue our work for as long as it is needed.’
The service is readily accessible to the general public who can call to book an appointment.
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