‘No matter what it is, it’s time to talk’

Fylde Counselling Service (FCS) is expanding its online presence to residents of Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool thanks to a £4,200 grant from Lancashire Covid-19 Community Support Fund

and National Emergencies Trust.

The community based counselling service has set up a new website to promote its vital services to the local community and encourage people to give online and telephone counselling a

try.

Fylde Counselling Service has risen to the challenges of delivering counselling during lockdowns, and has ensured all of its counsellors are qualified via 80 hours of specialist training to

deliver online and telephone counselling.

Kathryn Smith Verral, a volunteer counsellor and committee member, said: “People can self-refer which means they don’t have to go through their GP or be diagnosed with anxiety or

depression to get an appointment.

“No matter what it is, if it’s bothering you, it’s time to talk to us.

“The pandemic has impacted people in many different ways, and brought up lots of difficult emotions.

“It can be really hard trying to keep up a brave face for our friends and family. Sometimes just being able to be honest about what we are going through is enough to start the process of

feeling better and being more able to cope.

“People come to us with many different problems and life issues. Our counsellors will never be shocked by what someone might bring whether it’s a relationship problem, bereavement and

loss, struggling with change, or serious traumas.”

Fylde Counselling Service is a volunteer-led charitable organisation that was founded more than 35 years ago.

It relies on donations from the public, service users and charitable grants.

Clients can now access a counsellor from the comfort of their own home via telephone, mobile, tablet or laptop.

For clients who may struggle for privacy or may be experiencing domestic violence there is a confidential Covid compliant ‘Safe Haven’ room available in St Annes.

There are an average of 12 volunteer counsellors – who are all members of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists – working at any one time.

Fiona Mullany, committee member, said: “The counsellors at FCS give people a safe and confidential place to talk.

“When able to operate face to face, we deliver counselling sessions at venues throughout Blackpool and the Fylde from Fleetwood to Lytham, meaning clients can choose a venue closest

to them.”

Fylde Counselling Service is based at Face to Face, Fylde YMCA, St Alban’s Road, St Annes, and can be contacted via its website www.fyldecounselling.org.uk, Facebook, or by calling or

texting 07916 224898.

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