Renew Counselling and Training

Thank You to the Mrs Smith and Mount Trust: Supporting Mental Health in Basildon

We’re pleased to share some important news with you. Earlier this year, Renew received a £5,000 grant from the Mrs Smith and Mount Trust, which helped fund counselling for adults in Basildon who couldn’t otherwise afford it. The project recently came to an end, and we wanted to share the difference it’s made.

Between February 2023 and March 2024, we were able to offer 120 counselling sessions to 12 individuals. The clients who accessed this service were dealing with a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. Two of the clients were over 70, fully reliant on state pensions, and unable to pay for counselling on their own.

One story that stands out is of a 71-year-old woman who, after years of feeling isolated and disconnected from her family, worked with her counsellor to improve her relationships with her family. By learning how to express her feelings and manage her emotions, she saw real changes in her interactions with those around her. This made her feel more secure and less alone.

The feedback we received from the clients was positive. All of those who completed their evaluations reported feeling better by the end of their sessions. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Mrs Smith and Mount Trust, and we are grateful for their help in making it happen.

As the demand for affordable mental health services continues to grow, we are hopeful we can keep providing this kind of support to people who need it. 

Thank you again to the Mrs Smith and Mount Trust for helping us make this project a success.

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges, you can support our work by donating here. Every contribution helps us provide vital counselling services to those who need it most.