Whether you’re a newly practising counsellor or many years into your professional journey, continuing to reflect and learn is essential: not just for your clients, but for you.   

We are proud to be a charity, and proud that our training directly supports our wider mission: ensuring all clients receive, highly quality, professional counselling. By learning with us, you’re also helping sustain vital mental health services in local communities.  

What is Renew’s CPD programme?   

Our CPD programme has been shaped by what we see every day in our counselling rooms and communities. We work with children, young people and adults across Essex, many of whom are navigating complex emotional landscapes alongside financial pressure, isolation or uncertainty. Their stories remind us why thoughtful practice matters and why we must keep developing our skills.  

This year’s programme brings together experienced facilitators, practical tools and space for reflection. Each session is designed to support you as a whole practitioner, not just as a professional completing hours.  

Are you ready to deepen your understanding on experiences of self and therapeutic change?  

Join us for our upcoming session, led  by Psychotherapist Elliot Bartram, who spent 5 years working at Renew and recently achieved a Diploma in Supervision. This workshop explores therapy from an extisential and humanistic perspective. Counsellors will revisit ideas around how experiences of self are formed, maintained and developed through therapy.  

What will be covered?   

• Existential and humanistic perspectives in therapy  

• How experiences of self are formed and maintained  

• Expanding clients ‘investments in self’ through therapy  

 

Who should attend?   

• Adult counsellors   

• Qualified & experienced counsellors   

• Trainees (Years 1 & 2, certificate level, not on placement)  

• Trainees (Years 2 & 3, Diploma level on placement)  

 

Session details: A Humanistic-Existential Refresher 

CPD Hours: 2.0 hours  

Day/Time: Saturday 20 June, 10am – 12pm 

Cost: £40 for external attendees.  

Cancellations within 48 hours or non-attendance will incur a £30 charge.  

As a charity, every place booked helps sustain affordable counselling in our community.  

Location: Online (a meeting link will be sent to you) 

How to Book   

We recommend booking early, as places are limited for each session. To book onto any of our CPD sessions, please click here to complete the booking form and tick the sessions you would like to attend. 

 If you have any questions or would prefer to book by email, you’re very welcome to call 01245 359 353 or email justinecolley@renew.org.uk.   

Chelmsford For You supports Renew Counselling and Harry Flashman’s Tattoo Parlour to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

Renew is proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, by partnering with Chelmsford For You and Harry Flashman’s Tattoo Parlour taking place from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May.

Led by the Mental Health Foundation, this annual campaign brings people across the UK together to focus on mental wellbeing. This year’s theme, ‘Action’, encourages individuals and communities to take meaningful steps to support good mental health, highlighting the collective power of coming together.

In Chelmsford city centre, collaboration is at the heart of the business community. Chelmsford For You, as the Business Improvement District (BID), is proud to facilitate this spirit of partnership, supporting, promoting and celebrating the city.

To mark this year’s campaign, Chelmsford For You is working in partnership with Renew Counselling & Training, with support from Chelmsford City Council and city centre businesses to promote accessible mental health support for all.

Pop-Up Events Across the City

Throughout the week, Renew will host a series of pop-up stands across Chelmsford city centre:

• Tuesday 12 May (11am–3pm): John Lewis Chelmsford
• Wednesday 13 May (9am–5pm): Outside Barclays Chelmsford
• Saturday 17 May (9am–5pm): Bond Street Chelmsford (Concrete Canvas Street Party)

These welcoming spaces will offer creative, mood-boosting activities, along with opportunities to speak with the Renew team about counselling services, training programmes, or simply take a moment to pause and reflect. 

FREE Workshop: The Compassion Break

Renew is also hosting a free lunchtime workshop, The Compassion Break, on Monday 11 May (12:30–1:15pm) at their head office (2 Legg Street, Chelmsford). This session will explore self-compassion and how we respond to personal stress and challenges. Attendees can book a place by clicking here.

Tattoo Fundraiser for Mental Health
Chelmsford-based tattoo studio, Harry Flashman’s Tattoo Studio, is also supporting the week with a special flash tattoo-a-thon on Sunday 17 May. The event will feature a curated selection of mental health-inspired designs, including semicolons and meaningful phrases. All proceeds from the day will be donated to Renew Counselling & Training, raising both funds and awareness for mental health support.

Art and Awareness through Concrete Canvas
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week coincides with the Concrete Canvas Street Art Festival. Following the success of the 2024 festival—where a permanent mural linked to the global You Are Not Alone project, was created, another mural will be unveiled on one of Renew’s buildings, focusing on mental health.
Additional murals across the city centre will also carry positive mental health themes, bringing messages of hope, resilience and strength to Chelmsford’s streets.

Nikki Schuster, Chief Executive, Renew Counselling:
“Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity for people across Chelmsford to pause and reflect on how we’re really doing. With the support of Chelmsford For You and local partners, we’re creating visible opportunities to talk openly about mental health, reduce stigma and remind people that help is available locally. No one should feel they have to cope alone, and we hope this week encourages people to reach out and seek support when they need it.”

Kate Keys, Owner, Harry Flashman’s:
“As a studio, we see how powerful self-expression can be, and this event is a way for us to combine that with raising awareness for mental health. We’re proud to support Renew and contribute to such an important initiative within the Chelmsford community.”

Renew’s CPD programme is off to a great start this year, with many of our workshops and courses open to external candidates. Whether you’re a newly practising counsellor or many years into your professional journey, continuing to reflect and learn is essential: not just for your clients, but for you.   

We are proud to be a charity, and proud that our training directly supports our wider mission: ensuring all clients receive, highly quality, professional counselling. By learning with us, you’re also helping sustain vital mental health services in local communities.  

What is Renew’s CPD programme?   

Our CPD programme has been shaped by what we see every day in our counselling rooms and communities. We work with children, young people and adults across Essex, many of whom are navigating complex emotional landscapes alongside financial pressure, isolation or uncertainty. Their stories remind us why thoughtful practice matters and why we must keep developing our skills.  

This year’s programme brings together experienced facilitators, practical tools and space for reflection. Each session is designed to support you as a whole practitioner, not just as a professional completing hours.  

Are you ready to deepen your understanding on group supervision?  

Join us for our second in-person workshops of the programme. Led by Renew CEO and therapist Nikki Schuster, who has an advanced diploma in supervision and over 25 years’ experience delivering mental health training. These workshops provide a reflective and practice-focused space for counsellors to deepen their understanding of how group supervision operates and how they can work skilfully with both task and process.  

  

What will be covered?   

Over two days, we’ll cover 

• Understanding supervisory style  

• Interpersonal dynamics and supervisee responses  

• Applying models of individual and group supervision  

• Using self effectively in practice 

  

Who should attend?   

• Adult counsellors   

• CYP counsellors   

• Qualified & experienced counsellors   

 

Session details: Dynamics of Group Supervision 

CPD Hours: 6.0 hours  

Day/Time: Saturday 9 & 16 May, 10am-4.00pm  

Cost: £40 each day for external attendees.  

Cancellations within 48 hours or non-attendance will incur a £30 charge.  

As a charity, every place booked helps sustain affordable counselling in our community.  

Location: Renew Counselling, Sadler’s House, 2 Legg Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AH  

How to Book   

We recommend booking early, as places are limited for each session. To book onto any of our CPD sessions, please click here to complete the booking form and tick the sessions you would like to attend. 

 If you have any questions or would prefer to book by email, you’re very welcome to call 01245 359 353 or email justinecolley@renew.org.uk.   

Renew’s CPD programme is back for 2026, with many of our workshops and courses open to external candidates. Whether you’re a newly practising counsellor or many years into your professional journey, continuing to reflect and learn is essential: not just for your clients, but for you.  

We are proud to be a charity, and proud that our training directly supports our wider mission: ensuring counselling remains affordable and available to those who need it most. By learning with us, you’re also helping sustain vital mental health services in local communities. 

What is Renew’s CPD programme?  

Our CPD programme has been shaped by what we see every day in our counselling rooms and communities. We work with children, young people and adults across Essex, many of whom are navigating complex emotional landscapes alongside financial pressure, isolation or uncertainty. Their stories remind us why thoughtful practice matters and why we must keep developing our skills. 

This year’s programme brings together experienced facilitators, practical tools and space for reflection. Each session is designed to support you as a whole practitioner, not just as a professional completing hours. 

Are you ready to deepen your understanding on eating disorders and body dysmorphia? 

Join us for our first open workshop of 2026. Led by Renew CEO and therapist Nikki Schuster, who spent 18 years as an associate trainer for Beat, this workshop will explore eating disorders, body image and body dysmorphia. Counsellors will be supported to work confidently and compassionately with clients using their bodies to express psychological distress. 

 

What will be covered?  

In this session we will look at:  

• Understanding eating disorders 

• Creating a safe therapeutic space 

• Clients’ relationships with their bodies 

• Body dysmorphia in practice 

 

Who should attend?  

• Adult counsellors  

• CYP counsellors  

• Qualified & experienced counsellors  

• Trainees (Years 2 & 3, Diploma level, on placement)  

Session details: Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia 

CPD Hours: 6.5 hours 

Day/Time: Saturday 14 March, 10am-4.30pm 

Cost: £40 for external attendees. 

Cancellations within 48 hours or non-attendance will incur a £30 charge. 

As a charity, every place booked helps sustain affordable counselling in our community. 

Location: Renew Counselling, Sadler’s House, 2 Legg Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AH 

How to Book  

We recommend booking early, as places are limited for each session. To book onto any of our CPD sessions, please click here to complete the booking form and tick the sessions you would like to attend.

 If you have any questions or would prefer to book by email, you’re very welcome to call 01245 359 353 or email justinecolley@renew.org.uk.  

Kate runs the Brighton Marathon for Renew Counselling and Training! 

We’re so proud to have the brilliant Kate, an administrator at Renew, running for us at the Brighton Marathon this April! 

It was wonderful to find out a bit more about her and why she chose to run for Renew.  

Want to show your support? Head to the bottom of the article and click ‘Donate’.  

Hi Kate! We’re delighted to have you running for Renew this April. Can you tell us about your connection to Renew? 

I’m an Administrator for Renew’s Basildon Centre. I love working here and the ethos of the charity and everything it stands for. 

Have you taken part in many runs like Brighton Marathon? How did you get into running?  

I had a foot operation in 2022. I have a condition called Morton’s Neuroma, it’s like a small pebble constantly in your foot. I had surgery and the doctors said that I wouldn’t be able to do any long distance running again because it may cause loads of issues. 

Fast forward to 2024, I got a phone call from a charity called TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support), which is really close to my heart because my son was born with the condition. They asked me to represent them at the London Marathon. And it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so I did it!  

Why is running to raise money for more mental health support important to you?  

Running promotes mental health- it’s the best medicine you can have for your mind. It’s a lot of endurance, however it’s also a lot of time to process your thoughts and feelings. The endorphin boost from exercise is great for your mental health. Doing something for my mental health whilst raising money for mental health seems like a great fit! 

Why do you think people should donate?  

I think people should donate to support a small local charity. Large charities are very fortunate to get such big corporate sponsors, whereas smaller charities unfortunately don’t get the same opportunities. That’s why I feel like you should donate locally and support people within our area.  

How have you found training for the Marathon so far?  

I feel really, really confident. I did a 15-mile trail run in the mud, which was crazy, but I feel confident in everything that I’m doing! I’m sticking to my plan and I’m hoping to do it in under four and a half hours this year.   

You can show your support by clicking the donation link below.  

Renew Counselling and Training teams up with new local café The Social and Chelmsford For You to recognise Time To Talk Day 2026

Renew is proud to be supporting Time To Talk Day 2026, taking place on Thursday 5 February, by partnering with new local café, The Social and Chelmsford For You to host Chelmsford’s very first Time To Talk Coffee Morning.

Time To Talk Day is a nationwide initiative dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health. It brings people together across communities, workplaces and organisations to start meaningful discussions, promote understanding, and inspire positive change.

Having open and honest conversations about mental health can be a powerful first step towards improving wellbeing. Talking helps break down stigma, builds confidence, and reassures people that they are not alone. By creating a culture where mental health is spoken about openly, more people feel able to reach out for support when they need it.

To mark this year’s Time To Talk Day, Renew is inviting the local community to join them for a FREE, relaxed coffee morning at The Social, where the coffee is on Chelmsford For You. 

The event will take place on Thursday 5 February, between 9am and 12pm (no booking required), offering a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for people to meet, chat and connect.

Members of the Renew team, including trained counsellors, will be on hand to listen and talk, as well as share information about the services available to support mental health and wellbeing, should attendees wish to find out more.

In addition, representatives from The Glamour Room (located on Can Bridge Way) will also be attending, offering complimentary hand massages to encourage a moment of relaxation and “you time”.

Sara Tupper, Chief Executive of Chelmsford For You, said:
“Chelmsford is such a fantastic community when it comes to coming together and supporting one another. We’re proud to be recognising this year’s Time To Talk Day, promoting the importance of conversation and reminding people that in Chelmsford, you are not alone.”

Nikki Schuster, Chief Executive of Renew Counselling & Training, said:
“We’re so grateful to Chelmsford For You and the local businesses involved in Time to Talk Day for supporting Renew. It’s always a privilege to have meaningful conversations, raise awareness of the support available and build relationships that help keep our vital work going. It’s only through the support of our community that we can continue to help people across Chelmsford, regardless of age, background or financial circumstances.”

Monday 1 December, 12pm–2pm at The Chelmsford Club

As we prepare for our Annual General Meeting (AGM), we’re delighted to invite our community to come together once again to celebrate our achievements and look ahead to the future. This year’s AGM promises to be another inspiring and festive occasion, bringing together staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who share our commitment to improving mental health across Essex and beyond.

Why should I attend?

Our AGM is a chance for everyone connected to Renew to help shape what comes next. In a time when charities face increasing challenges, your voice and presence truly matter. We’ll be reflecting on the past year, exploring our priorities for the year ahead and celebrating the people who make Renew’s mission possible. We’re also delighted to have a very special guest speaker joining us this year.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s AGM:

Celebrating achievements

We’ll look back at our successes and milestones, highlighting the dedication of our staff, counsellors and volunteers who help us provide life-changing mental health support every day.

Keynote speaker

We’re thrilled to welcome Paula Farrow, CEO and Founder of MyOTAS (My Own Time and Space), an Essex-based organisation supporting neurodivergent children and their families. Paula will be speaking on Neurodivergence and Mental Health, bringing a wealth of insight and experience to the conversation.

Your voice matters

This is your opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and help shape Renew’s direction for the future.

Looking ahead

Hear directly from our trustees and senior leadership team about our plans for 2026 and beyond, including updates on funding, training and community partnerships.

Awards and recognitions

We’ll take a moment to celebrate those who’ve gone above and beyond this year in their work and service to others.

Festive refreshments

Enjoy warm drinks and festive treats in the beautiful and historic surroundings of The Chelmsford Club. It’s the perfect way to start the festive season!

Christmas Hamper up for grabs!

This year’s Christmas Hamper is our best yet – packed full of experiences, including a luxurious night’s stay at a local hotel, a decadent Afternoon Tea, self-care vouchers and lots more. Attendees will have the chance to enter themselves into the draw for this amazing selection of prizes, with every ticket bought helping us to raise funds for Renew.

RSVP

Please RSVP by Friday 14 November 2025 using our short online form.

If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact Emma Smith at emmasmith@renew.org.uk or call 01245 269335.

We look forward to seeing you there for an amazing afternoon.

The County Hotel Names Renew Counselling as their Charity of the Year

We’re delighted to share that staff of The County Hotel Chelmsford‘s Green Team have chosen Renew Counselling as their Charity of the Year for 2025.

This partnership will help us raise much-needed awareness of  local mental health support, helping to reach more people looking for support and to raise vital funds for our work in Chelmsford and beyond. Over the coming year, the County Hotel will be supporting Renew through fundraising events, awareness campaigns and by sharing our story with their guests, staff and wider network.

We know that everyone deserves the chance to be heard, supported and empowered to navigate life’s challenges, no matter their background or financial circumstances. With mental health needs rising and demand for affordable counselling growing, partnerships like this will make a real and lasting difference to our local community, and we’re so pleased to be working together.

The County Hotel is a well-loved local and independent business in the heart of Chelmsford, and their commitment to supporting community wellbeing makes this a truly meaningful match. We’re so grateful to the team for choosing to walk alongside us this year.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on what we’ll be getting up to together. Together, we can ensure that mental health support is accessible to anyone in Chelmsford that needs us. 

If your business or organisation is interested in partnering with Renew, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.

Email: ellenagrace@renew.org.uk

Supporting Young People with Eating Disorders: A New Funded Programme from Renew Counselling and Training

Thanks to the generous support of The Prudence Trust and The Stone Family Foundation, Renew Counselling and Training is launching a fully funded counselling programme for children and young people who are facing challenges with disordered eating.

YP Re-Ed will support young people aged 11 to 18 in Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford and surrounding areas, providing a lifeline for those who need it most. The programme will include one-to-one counselling for young people, as well as drop-in support sessions for parents and guardians, equipping them with the tools to help their loved ones.

This new programme builds on our existing services for those aged 17+ who are at risk or experiencing an eating disorder, which we currently provide in Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon, funded by the NHS ICB.

What are Eating Disorders?

An eating disorder isn’t just about food – it’s often a way of coping with feelings or life situations. Whether or not there’s a formal diagnosis, if you or someone close to you feels stuck in an unhealthy relationship with food or their body image, we’re here to help.

Thank you to The Prudence Trust and the Stone Family Foundation

As the need for accessible mental health services grows, especially for young people dealing with disordered eating, we are deeply grateful to The Prudence Trust and the Stone Family Foundation for their generosity in helping us meet this need.

How can Renew help?

For Young People:

Our specially trained counsellors will work with you to help you understand your feelings, build emotional resilience, and take steps towards regaining control of your life.

We know it’s not easy to open up, and that’s okay. Our counsellors will help you find your voice, at your own pace, using approaches that feel comfortable and right for you.

For Parents and Families:

When someone you love is struggling, it can feel scary and confusing. We’re here for you too.

Our parent support groups offer:

• A safe place to share experiences
• Practical tools and strategies to help you support your child
• Understanding of what your loved one is going through

If you or someone you know could benefit from this new service, we’re already accepting referrals ahead of the programme’s start in April 2025. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.

Thank you again to our supporters for making this possible. We couldn’t do this important work without your help. 

Thank You to the Nationwide Christian Trust: Supporting Accessible Counselling for Those in Need

We’re excited to share some wonderful news. Thanks to a generous donation from the Nationwide Christian Trust, Renew will be launching a counselling bursary to support people who are struggling to afford the help they need.

We are truly grateful for the Nationwide Christian Trust’s commitment to making mental health support more accessible. Their donation will enable us to offer counselling to individuals who might otherwise be unable to access it – providing them with a lifeline during challenging times.

As the need for affordable mental health services continues to grow, we are deeply appreciative of this support and eager to see the positive impact it will have.

Thank you again to the Nationwide Christian Trust for their generosity and compassion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to afford counselling, please reach out to us to find out more about the bursary. And if you would like to help us continue providing this essential support, you can donate below.  Every contribution makes a difference.