At the beginning of October Beacon Counselling launched a brand new project in partnership with Barnardo’s and SureStart. The pilot project is to run for three months, at which time it will be evaluated and the outcomes and level of need assessed and futher funding will be sought to continue this project next year.
The Wythenshawe Project offers counselling to parents, young parents and young people attending 2 children’s centres in Wythenshawe: Benchill and Woodhouse Park. These are two of the most deprived areas in Greater Manchester with high levels of unemployment, family break up, and a range of other issues.
Beacon expects that offering counselling will help to build confidence, self respect and motivation in the clients it works with, and to instill the self belief that they can help themselves (one of the most important differences that anyone can make).
This is a challenging endeavour for the counsellors from the Bramhall based charity. "Our counsellors – who are all volunteers - are working very hard and getting involved in some complex work supporting parents and young people. This is a very exciting and innovative venture and one we’re confident in making a success," James Harper, Manager of Beacon Counselling said. "Through working with the managers at Barnardos and SureStart, we have built up awareness of the service, and are now keen to find the funding for it to continue."
Debbie Koroma, the Barnardo's Centre Manager added “We are excited by this project since it is meeting a vital need, and are enjoying working in partnership with Beacon Counselling.”
If you would like to know more about Beacon Counselling or would like to volunteer, then check out the website: www.beacon-counselling.org.uk or contact James Harper on james@beacon-counselling.org.uk. If you are looking for counselling then Beacon can be contacted on 0161 400 0055 or email office@-counselling.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
