DESPERATE financial support is needed to help Droitwich’s only community counselling hub keep its services open.
Droitwich Wellbeing Hub aims to provide mental health counselling to everyone in the community – no matter their financial situation.
But with rising energy costs, an increased demand for services and paying staff wages, the centre needs more funding to continue its role in the community.
Both Philippa Cavilla and Lesley Woollam set up the hub two years ago because of the lack of counselling in the area.
The interior of one of the rooms. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4522018MMR2 copyright Bullivant Media
Philippa said: “We need Droitwich to support us so we can support Droitwich.
“Our services are here for everyone.
“Everyone is entitled to the same support, and barriers should not get in the way.
“Some families cannot pay for the luxury of counselling.”
The hub – at the Westlands First School caretaker’s bungalow – has just completed its pilot years after receiving funding from the Wychavon Council and Worcestershire Community Foundation.
However, it now needs to be reliant solely on grants, sponsors and donations to ensure those on limited incomes can afford the help they need.
One mother and her ten-year-old son both individually use the free counselling service.
The interior of one of the rooms. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4522018MMR3 copyright Bullivant Media
“I could not afford private counselling and the NHS only offered me six sessions – I found it very intimidating.
“My son would be under CAMHS, but it is an oversubscribed service.
“I would not be at counselling if this service was not here.”
Another user of the free service added: “I am a single mum with me three children and I would not be able to do it if I did not have counselling.”
The group is appealing to businesses, organisations and charities to help keep the service going.
It has so far received help from Morrisons which provides tea bags, toilet rolls and other items and Armstrong Fluid Technology has been helping with interior work.
Visit gofundme.com/f/droitwich-wellbeing-hub to donate to help the hub and anyone wanting to offer sponsorship should call 07926 436635.
