Category: Community news

Thanks to a grant from the Nationwide Christian Trust, Renew is offering a bursary for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford mental health support.

Thanks to a grant from the Nationwide Christian Trust, Renew is offering a bursary for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford mental health support.

Why I Volunteer: Jean’s Story
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Renew. Whether they’re offering their time to support our counsellors, helping with admin, or simply bringing their skills and enthusiasm to the team, their contributions make a real difference. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s also a chance to learn new skills, meet great people, and be part of something meaningful.

Jean, one of our amazing volunteer administrators, shares why she got involved and what she’s gained from the experience.

Thanks to a £5,000 grant from the Mrs Smith and Mount Trust, Renew provided 120 counselling sessions to 12 individuals in Basildon who couldn’t afford mental health support. Clients faced challenges such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. This funding allowed them to access much-needed counselling, resulting in significant improvements in their well-being. Read more about the impact of this program and our gratitude for the Trust’s support.

Designed to help people from all walks of life develop their emotional literacy, Empower Your Emotions will enable participants to talk about their feelings in a calm and productive way, while also providing them with tools to listen to and support others.