Renew Blogs Archives - Renew Counselling and Training

Celebrating Pride Month

Renew Admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:45:09 +0000

Pride Month 2026: A message from Renew

It’s Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, by honouring its history and recognising how important visibility is. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that many members of the community continue to face.

The world can feel overwhelming and Pride Month can bring up difficult emotions for some people. Public debates and negative rhetoric can leave individuals feeling isolated or misunderstood.

If this resonates with you, we want you to know that you are not alone.

Seeking support can feel like a big step. You may be feeling nervous about what counselling will involve or even relieved that you’re finally reaching out after carrying things on your own for so long.

Whatever you’re feeling, your emotions are valid.

Taking the decision to start counselling is an act of courage. It’s a way of prioritising your wellbeing by giving yourself the chance to explore how you’re feeling in a safe, supportive environment.

At Renew, our aim is to provide a welcoming space where people can speak openly without fear of judgement. Support is available, whether you’re:

Exploring your identity
Navigating relationships
Coping with anxiety
Managing the impact of discrimination or
Looking for someone to talk to

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live authentically and safely.

In a world where negative voices can sometimes seem loud, we’re proud to add our voice to those who promote understanding, empathy and inclusion.

This Pride Month, we encourage everyone to spread love rather than hate, to listen with compassion and to stand alongside those who may be struggling. And if you’re finding things difficult, please remember that reaching out for help is never a sign of weakness.

This Pride Month, start the conversation

We’re here for you, if you’re feeling unsure about where to turn or simply need someone to talk to. Please reach out. You don’t need a referral – we are an open access service and have a range of counsellors to suit your needs.

You can click here to contact your closest centre.

The post Celebrating Pride Month appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Stress Awareness Month 2026: Be The Change

Renew Admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:06:46 +0000

Be The Change: Prioritising your wellbeing this Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness month. Stress can impact anyone and can often go unnoticed until it begins to affect our wellbeing.

This year’s theme is “Be The Change”, a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with having the courage to prioritise our mental wellbeing, something which we advocate strongly at Renew.

What can “being the change” look like?

Being the change can be difficult and can look different to everyone, maybe it’s changing up your morning routine by waking up earlier or walking to work instead of driving or it can be taking that decision to reach out for help if you are struggling. At Renew we know that this can cause a range of emotions. By seeking help, you’re putting your wellbeing first and we will support you with this.

Change doesn’t happen overnight

It’s important to remember that meaningful change takes time. Small, consistent steps can gently lead to lasting improvements in your wellbeing. Be patient with yourself and recognise that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

So here are some practical steps you can take to start to “be the change”:

Establish what is causing you stress: this can be through talking to someone you trust or even writing down how you’re feeling

Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge for example, simply taking a break when you need it.

Set realistic boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to and protect your time and energy. Healthy boundaries are key to maintaining balance.

Stay connected: Reach out to loved ones. Sharing how you feel can help reduce stress and remind you that you’re not alone.

Take small, manageable steps: Focus on what you can control and break larger challenges into smaller, achievable actions.

Taking the first step can often feel like the hardest part. It might feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming, but it’s also where growth begins. Being the change starts with being kind and compassionate to yourself.

How Renew strives to create change in our communities

Here at Renew, we’re committed to creating meaningful change within our local community by providing affordable and accessible counselling to anyone that needs it. Renew offers a safe space for people to feel truly heard and supported. Beyond our counselling services, engaging with our local community at events helps us to raise awareness and promote open conversations about mental health.

This Stress Awareness Month, make your wellbeing a priority

You can click here to contact your closest centre.

The post Stress Awareness Month 2026: Be The Change appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Renew

Renew Admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:44:19 +0000

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognise the women who shape our communities, workplaces and organisations every day. On the 8 March, we also marked International Women’s Day, with the theme Give to Gain.

At Renew, we see every day how support, encouragement and opportunity can ripple outwards in powerful ways. We caught up with our Chief Executive Nikki Schuster to reflect on what Give to Gain means to her and why recognising women’s stories matters.

Give to Gain suggests that when we give support to women, everyone benefits. How do you see this reflected at Renew?

At Renew, we give space and time for people to talk through their difficulties. It’s widely recognised that the more under stress women are the more they’re having to juggle, this can make it harder for them to be resilient. There’s a lot of pressures in the world, especially as women’s rights are given and taken away so easily. It can therefore be hard as women to be who you want to be. This is why it’s so important that there are supportive spaces like Renew.

How does Renew’s work benefit women?

Renew is a very natural environment for women to come along and be listened to. I think this is seen directly through our work. We’re also acutely aware that part of our task is to be an open access service that provides the same service to anyone that needs it. Every day I work at Renew, I can see the transformative effects of what we do, not in what people give to us, but in what we see people give to themselves.

What issues do you think disproportionately affect women, and how does Renew help?

Relationship difficulties with control dynamics disproportionately affect women, and we see this in our work here. There’s recognition that abuse is a two-way street, but we do know that often, women are the victims of violence. At Renew, we see women trying to keep their head above water to succeed and support their family, emotionally and financially. Providing a space where women can find themselves is so important. Our services have a duty help women feel strong, empowering them to succeed in their lives in whatever form or shape that takes.

Renew is a female-led organisation, what does that mean to you?

When I first came into the workforce, it was a predominantly male place and women were seen mainly in subservient roles. Whilst it has taken a while, our wider society is slowly understanding and accepting what women are capable of. It can still be a challenge, but personally, as a woman in a leadership role at Renew, I feel safe in the knowledge that we can work to our strengths in a collaborative environment.

During Women’s History Month, we’re reminded how powerful it can be when people offer their time, care and support to others. Often the act of giving creates space for growth, healing and connection.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to turn or simply need someone to talk to, you’re welcome to reach out. Renew is an open access service and you don’t need a referral to access counselling.

The post Celebrating Women’s History Month at Renew appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

University Mental Health Day 2026: how can students take care of their mental health?

Renew Admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:08:49 +0000

University Mental Health Day 2026: how can students take care of their mental health?

University Mental Health Day aims to get the nation talking about student mental health. With two of our courses delivered in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and one of our very own staff members currently completing her Degree Apprenticeship, we’re thinking about the importance of this day and how we can support students and their mental health.

Digital Marketing Apprentice Uwineza gives us her reflections in this blog for University Mental Health Day.

This year’s University Mental Health Day theme is Human Connection, which feels especially meaningful to me as both a student and someone working at Renew.

University life has been such a transformative time for me, in more ways than one. While I’ve had lots of new opportunities, lots of new pressures have come with them! That’s why it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything.

As someone who works alongside getting a degree, I know that when important deadlines and financial pressures start to pile up, I often try to cope with everything alone. Working at Renew has shown me that something that might seem “little”, like opening up to someone about how I’m feeling or what I’m going through, can actually be incredibly important. It makes such a difference to my mental wellbeing and is a great reminder that you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Knowing where to start when you’re struggling can be hard, so here are some things that I find useful when trying to navigate this:

Talking to someone I trust

Taking small breaks from any academic pressure I’m feeling:

I usually go on a walk or take a moment to ground myself by doing something I like to do

Staying connected with others:

Becoming a committee member in my society has definitely helped me to stay connected with others, through attending events online and in-person, and just having that community to turn to!

Even a quick catch-up with friends can make the world of difference

Being kind to myself:

It’s important to know that struggling sometimes is okay. Treating myself with the same compassion that I’d offer a friend helps when I’m struggling.

Knowing that professional support is available!

The staff at Renew understand that life can be challenging, especially during periods of change like university life. I’ve seen firsthand how the charity provides a safe, supportive space where people feel encouraged to be themselves.

Through supportive conversations with trained counsellors, Renew helps people to reconnect with themselves. Human connection is at the heart of what the charity does. o. Talking to someone who is truly listening can lift some of that weight and remind you that you don’t have to face it alone, so I’d definitely encourage any students struggling to reach out.

Renew is here for you

Whether you’ve stayed at home or moved away for university, you don’t have to do it alone, I know that the counsellors and support staff here at Renew are so kind and approachable and will be here for you when you need them.

Reaching out for support can be the first step toward feeling more connected and supported.

We’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with the Renew team to learn more about counselling or access support. Just email info@renew.org.uk or call 01245 359353.

The post University Mental Health Day 2026: how can students take care of their mental health? appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Could You Help Guide Renew’s Next Chapter?

Renew Admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:09:51 +0000

Could You Help Guide Renew’s Next Chapter?

For over 120 years, Renew Counselling and Training has been part of the fabric of Essex and East London.

From our head office in Chelmsford and through our work across the county, we support children, young people and adults who need somewhere safe to untangle what they’re carrying: anxiety, trauma, loss, eating disorders, identity and many more challenges.

Demand for our services has never been higher.

Last year alone, we received hundreds of referrals. Schools are asking for more support but are short on funding. Waiting lists grow quickly. Families are reaching out earlier, and often in greater distress.

Behind every counselling session, there are important strands that make our work possible: governance, safeguarding oversight, financial stewardship, strategic thinking, careful challenge and encouragement.

That’s where our Trustees come in.

Why Trustees Matter Here

Being a Trustee at Renew isn’t about sitting quietly at the edge of a room.

Our Board plays an active, thoughtful role in shaping how we grow sustainably, protect our clinical integrity and ensure that people who need support can access it.

Trustees:

Offer strategic oversight and healthy challenge

Help us think long-term about sustainability and impact

Bring professional expertise that strengthens the charity

Champion our work within their networks and communities

Roll their sleeves up and help the executive team carry out the charity’s mission

As we enter our next chapter, we’re looking to widen the skills and perspectives around the table.

Who We’re Looking For

We’d particularly welcome people with experience in:

Governance

Education

Marketing and communications

Health & Safety

Clinical mental health practice

Those with lived experience of mental health challenges/struggles/difficulties

But more important than a job title is this:

You care about your local community.

You believe that access to high-quality mental health support matters.

You’re willing to give your time thoughtfully and consistently.

What You’ll Gain

Trustees often tell us that the role gives them:

A deeper understanding of how charities really work

The chance to use their skills for something tangible and local

The opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians and fellow board members

A sense of being part of something that genuinely changes lives

This isn’t theoretical impact. It’s real people in real rooms, every week.

Why Now?

Mental health services nationally are stretched. Schools are under pressure. Families are navigating more complexity than ever.

At the same time, there is huge strength in community.

Renew exists because local people, over generations, have chosen to step forward and carry it.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could do something practical to help,” this might be it.

How Do I Get Involved?

Renew Counselling and Training is inviting new Trustees to join our Board as we enter our next chapter. Could you offer your time, ideas and hands-on support?

Motivated by impact and community? We’d love to hear from you.

The post Could You Help Guide Renew’s Next Chapter? appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026: why does community matter?

Renew Admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:52:35 +0000

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026: why does community matter?

By Nikki Schuster, Chief Executive

Eating disorders are often described as lonely. They thrive in secrecy and in shame. Many of the people I’ve worked with over the years have talked to me about feeling alone while living with an eating disorder.

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the theme of community feels especially important, because it’s clear that recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.

Why community matters

As a therapist specialising in eating disorders, and through my work as an associate trainer with Beat, I’ve seen first-hand that while professional support matters deeply, it’s rarely enough on its own.

At Renew Counselling and Training, we’ve worked hard to build an eating-disorder-aware service across the whole organisation. Our counsellors working with eating disorders receive specialist training, but just as importantly, so do our wider teams. It’s important to us that everyone knows how to spot early signs, respond with compassion and help people access support sooner.

Early intervention

Early intervention can be life-changing. Research shows there’s a critical early window when an eating disorder starts to emerge, where support can be especially effective. Getting help sooner is linked with stronger engagement with support services, less disruption to life and psychosocial functioning and a better foundation for longer-term wellbeing.

Key to helping an individual access support earlier is the wider network around them: the people who notice changes, who ask gentle questions, who stay present even when things feel hard to talk about.

Community shows up in ordinary ways

Community doesn’t have to mean something big or formal. Often it’s quiet and ordinary.

It might be a friend who checks in regularly; a parent who learns how to listen without rushing to fix; a teacher who notices a child withdrawing or a colleague who says, “You don’t seem yourself, I’m here if you want to talk.”

These moments matter more than we realise.

Eating disorders don’t just affect individuals. Their effects can be felt within families, friendships, classrooms and workplaces. In the same way, recovery is rarely a solo journey. People heal in relationship. They heal when they feel seen, understood and supported over time.

At Renew, many of the children, young people and adults we work with tell us that our centres become part of their community. We’re proud to be a place where people can feel safe enough to start unpacking what’s really going on beneath the surface. That sense of belonging is powerful and creates the conditions for change.

Supporting parents

One of the most moving parts of this work, for me, has been sitting with parents and carers during our workshops and seeing just how much they want to understand.

Before each session, we invite questions. They come in quietly and anonymously but they are anything but small:

Parents ask about how to talk to a ten-year-old about body image without making it “a thing”.
About boys and puberty, height, muscles and gym culture.
About social media and TikTok.
About food, sugar, and what feels like secret eating.
About bullying.
About self-harm and how to respond without shaming.
About how to model healthy habits without passing on judgement.

Reading those questions is so moving, because you can feel how much the parents, guardians and support networks for these young people care. Most parents don’t come with confidence or clear answers, they come because they’re worried about their child, they want to help, and they’re trying their best to get it right. A lot of them are also thinking about their own experiences growing up, and how they don’t want to repeat things or pass certain messages on.

Just by showing up to a workshop, asking those questions and being open to learning already says so much. That desire to support their child matters more than they probably realise, especially when they’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed themselves. I think that is incredibly brave.

Widening the circle of support

Thanks to the support of The Prudence Trust and Stone Family Foundation, we’ve been able to widen this circle of support around young people struggling with food and eating. Being able to offer guidance, reassurance and practical support to parents, guardians and the people around the young person can have a huge impact on the individuals we work with.

When adults feel supported and informed, the young person at the centre is far less alone. When carers feel supported rather than judged, they can respond with steadiness instead of panic. When we widen the circle of care, shame has less room to thrive.

In the context of eating disorders, community is far from an abstract concept. I see the importance of community when I meet a parent at one of our workshops who is asking how to do better, or when our clinical coordinator chats to a family member who isn’t sure what to do next but wants to understand. Community is just people showing up for someone.

Keeping the conversation going

Sadly, not everyone has access to this kind of support, which is why awareness weeks like this matter. They give us permission to talk about eating disorders more openly. They remind us to look out for one another and they invite us all to play our part.

This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I hope we can all take a moment to notice the people around us a little more closely and to think about how we might help make our communities more compassionate, more knowledgeable and more supportive.

If you’re worried about someone, you don’t need to have the perfect words and you certainly don’t need to be an expert. Simply letting them know they’re not alone is an important first step.

And if you’re struggling yourself, please know that there are places like Renew that are here to help. Reaching out can feel daunting, but you don’t have to carry this on your own.

The post Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026: why does community matter? appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops about what our community needs” – an interview with Renew CEO Nikki Schuster

Renew Admin — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:45:59 +0000

“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops about what our community needs” – an interview with Renew CEO, Nikki Schuster

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is all about access to services. We know that the right support can be life-changing, and we have a firm belief in making that support available to anyone that needs it, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. We caught up with Renew Chief Executive, Nikki Schuster, to find out more about Renew’s counselling offer for the local community, Nikki’s own tips for looking after your mental health and the significance of days like this one.

Why is World Mental Health Day so important to us here at Renew?

It’s important because we’re a mental health charity, so it directly relates to our very reason for being. Since 1904, we’ve focused on the wellbeing of the community, so World Mental Health Day is meaningful because it’s an opportunity to shout from the rooftops about what our community needs – we have over 120 years of direct knowledge and experience of the challenges facing people, so it’s a chance for us to be a voice for you.

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Access to Services’ – how is Renew accessible?

We pride ourselves on being an open access service. If you are worried or concerned about something or think counselling might help you, you can always come along and have a conversation with us. If we’re not the right place for you, we can certainly signpost you to other services that can help.

What changes would you like to see to improve access to counselling and mental health support nationally?

There is no disputing how fundamentally important good mental health is for everybody: for example, for children, in terms of their wellbeing and day-to-day existence, how they learn, grow and achieve; for young people as they are beginning to find themselves and perhaps dealing with things that are challenging.

For adults, good mental health can help us to deal with the pressures of life, particularly nowadays, as we live in quite a divisive society where everyone is angry at something. Looking after our mental health, and having support to do so, is arguably more important than ever before. It’s fundamental to who we are and how we can be in the world. It should be as important as our physical health.

If we’re grappling with something inside, the impact of that is so far-reaching and long-lasting. Not having proper mental health support has implications on all aspects of our lives.

So, I do think the mental health of the nation should be prioritised as something that is as important as the economy or the safety of the country. We worry about all the externals – let’s worry about the internals.

What are some things you do to look after your mental health?

I want to say I take it very seriously and I do a brilliant job, but I am human and sometimes I’m not so great! But one thing I have learnt over the years is that my daily walks are very important to me; they help me clear my head at the end of the day. I’m an introvert as well, so having time to myself is essential.

Friends and family are really important to me. I have a wonderful grandson and spending time with him is very replenishing. I also like going to the theatre and movies. My guilty pleasure is watching Marvel movies – so while some people watch Friends on repeat, I tend to watch action hero movies on repeat!

All these things help draw my attention to something entirely different for a little while, and I think that’s good for your mental health.

What would your advice be for those who are looking for mental health support but don’t know where to start?

I would say to them to consider having a conversation with a counsellor or counselling service such as ours. You might not end up coming in for counselling necessarily, it might be that something else would suit you – but counsellors are trained to listen, to hear what you are trying to say and to help you make sense of that.

I would say if you’re feeling a bit troubled and wondering if counselling is actually appropriate, just call and come in for an initial assessment. Have a conversation. The conversation itself could be enough.

I do appreciate it’s a major step and often we have a lot of inhibitions – we often hear people saying, “there must be people so much worse off than me.” But please remember that everybody is equally important, everyone has the same entitlement to care and support. If you don’t consider the thing that’s keeping you up at night as being very important, please know that it’s as important to us as anything else that anybody else brings to counselling.

Do come along and talk to us, you won’t regret having that first conversation.

This World Mental Health Day, start the conversation

We’re here for you, if you’re feeling unsure about where to turn or simply need someone to talk to. Please reach out. You don’t need a referral – we are an open access service and have a range of counsellors to suit your needs.

You can click here to contact your closest centre.

The post “World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops about what our community needs” – an interview with Renew CEO Nikki Schuster appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Free Counselling Available for Young People Struggling with Eating Disorders or Body Image

Renew Admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:17:51 +0000

Free counselling available for young people struggling with Eating Disorders or body image

Do you work with young people or have a young person in your life? You could be the first to spot signs that someone is struggling – and thanks to new funding, help is now available.

We’re offering free, specialist counselling for young people in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood who are affected by eating disorders, disordered eating or body image issues. This support is made possible through funding from The Prudence Trust and Stone Family Foundation.

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, please don’t wait to reach out.

Early support can make all the difference.

Know the signs

School and social life

Withdrawing from group work or sitting alone.
Difficulty concentrating or seeming distracted.
Increased absences or reluctance to take part in PE/sports.

Physical signs

Sudden weight changes.
Looking tired, feeling dizzy, or always feeling cold.

Unusual Eating/Exercise Habits

Skipping meals or avoiding food socially.
Excessive exercise.

Emotional Changes

Anxiety around food, negative self-talk, mood swings.
Perfectionism.

What can I do to help?

Stay observant: if you notice concerning behaviours, make a note.

Be supportive: approach the young person with care and without judgement.

Get the right help: involve your safeguarding/pastoral team (if working in a school) and parents or guardians.

Promote positivity: encourage healthy attitudes to food, self-esteem and body image in your work with young people.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and early support can make a big difference.

If you’re worried about a student or need advice, please do contact Renew Counselling and Training for a chat. We’re an Essex mental health charity with over 120 years of experience in supporting children, young people and adults.

Thanks to support from The Prudence Trust and Stone Family Foundation, we now offer fully funded counselling in Chelmsford, Basildon, and Brentwood for young people struggling with food and body image.

You can reach us via the details here – just mention YP Re-Ed when you get in touch.

We’ve also put the above information into a poster which you can display in your staff room, helping your colleagues to spot the signs above. Click the button below to download.

The post Free Counselling Available for Young People Struggling with Eating Disorders or Body Image appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

Would you spot the signs of an Eating Disorder? A guide for those working with young people

Renew Admin — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:20:30 +0000

Would you spot the signs of an Eating Disorder?

If you work with young people, you could play a vital role in recognising early signs of eating disorders.

The signs don’t always include weight loss: changes in mood, behaviour and school life can be just as important to notice. Spotting changes early can make a big difference to a student’s wellbeing.

Know the signs

School and social life

Withdrawing from group work or sitting alone.
Difficulty concentrating or seeming distracted.
Increased absences or reluctance to take part in PE/sports.

Physical signs

Sudden weight changes.
Looking tired, feeling dizzy, or always feeling cold.

Unusual Eating/Exercise Habits

Skipping meals or avoiding food socially.
Excessive exercise.

Emotional Changes

Anxiety around food, negative self-talk, mood swings.
Perfectionism.

What can I do to help?

Stay observant: if you notice concerning behaviours, make a note.

Be supportive: approach the young person with care and without judgement.

Get the right help: involve your safeguarding/pastoral team (if working in a school) and parents or guardians.

Promote positivity: encourage healthy attitudes to food, self-esteem and body image in your work with young people.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and early support can make a big difference.

You can reach us via the details here – just mention YP Re-Ed when you get in touch.

We’ve also put the above information into a poster which you can display in your staff room, helping your colleagues to spot the signs above. Click the button below to download.

The post Would you spot the signs of an Eating Disorder? A guide for those working with young people appeared first on Renew Counselling and Training.

How to build your emotional resilience in times of crisis

Renew Admin — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:08:16 +0000

How to build your emotional resilience in times of crisis

Nikki Schuster, CEO

In times of crisis, whether personal, societal, or global, emotional resilience is a well that we all need to draw from. As we navigate uncertainty, stress or hardship, resilience becomes an essential skill that helps us stay grounded and move forward, even when the future feels unpredictable.

But how do we cultivate resilience, especially when it feels like everything is beyond our control? How can we learn to cope, adapt and thrive through adversity?

As a counsellor and part of Renew, a charity that has supported many people through difficult times, here are a few questions and strategies to reflect on when it comes to strengthening your emotional resilience.

How aware are you of your feelings?

What are you truly feeling right now? It can be easy to push emotions aside or to suppress difficult feelings but acknowledging and naming them is the first step toward resilience. Whether it’s fear, sadness, anger or confusion, recognising what you’re experiencing allows you to process those emotions in a healthy way. When was the last time you paused to check in with yourself to ask “How am I really feeling today?”

Who can you lean on for support?

No one is meant to go through difficult times alone. We all need a support system, whether it’s family, friends, colleagues or a professional. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Who in your life can offer a listening ear or words of encouragement? Are you making time to connect with others, even when it feels easier to isolate yourself? Resilience is strengthened when we allow others to be there for us, as much as we are there for them.

What aspects of your life can you control?

When everything feels out of control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But focusing on what you can control, however small, can restore a sense of agency and stability. What routines or actions can you take today to bring a little more structure or calm into your life? How can you empower yourself through small, manageable steps? It’s these actions that often make the biggest difference in how we cope during tough times.

How can you be kinder to yourself?

It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, especially when things aren’t going the way we hoped. But self-compassion is an important part of emotional resilience. How would you treat a friend who was struggling? Would you encourage them to rest, to acknowledge their effort and to take things one step at a time? Practice offering yourself the same kindness. What would it look like if you allowed yourself to be imperfect in the face of adversity?

What small changes can you make to prioritise your wellbeing?

It’s important take care of your body as well as your mind. How are you nourishing yourself physically – through food, rest and movement? These habits don’t just support your physical health; they also provide a foundation for emotional resilience. Are there small changes you could make today to improve your overall well-being, such as getting outside for a walk or cooking a nourishing meal?

When was the last time you reached out for support?

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Have you thought about how professional support might help you navigate through tough times? Whether it’s talking to a counsellor or joining a support group, reaching out for guidance can provide new perspectives and valuable coping tools. If you’re struggling with feelings of isolation or overwhelm, it might be worth considering how external support could help you build resilience during this time.

How can you shift your mindset?

Our mindset can be a powerful tool in building resilience. How often do you find yourself focusing on what’s going wrong, rather than what’s still going well? Shifting towards a growth mindset allows you to view challenges as opportunities for learning. What can you learn from the difficulties you’re facing right now? How might these experiences help you grow stronger and more adaptable in the future?

How are you managing your media consumption?

Constant exposure to distressing news can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and helplessness. What boundaries could you set around your media (and social media!) consumption? How might you protect your mental space by limiting exposure to negative news, while still staying informed? Taking control over your media habits can really help to maintain emotional balance during a crisis.

Are you allowing yourself to adapt?

Flexibility is key to resilience. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and crisis often forces us to adjust quickly. Are you giving yourself permission to adapt? How can you embrace change and use it as an opportunity for growth? Rather than resisting or feeling defeated by unforeseen challenges, can you find ways to adapt and move forward, even if it’s in small steps?

Building emotional resilience is a journey, not a destination. It’s about taking small steps each day to nurture your wellbeing, process your emotions, and reach out for support when needed. Reflecting on these questions can be a powerful tool for navigating difficult times.

Resilience doesn’t mean never feeling vulnerable. In fact, it means being able to face vulnerability, adapt and keep moving forward. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. But by giving yourself the space to reflect and make small changes, you’re already on the road to greater resilience.

At Renew, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Whether you’re facing personal challenges or simply looking to build emotional resilience, our team of experienced counsellors is ready to help. Our charity provides a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings, understand your emotional needs and develop tools for coping with life’s difficulties. If you’re struggling or simply need someone to talk to, our professional support is available to guide you through.

Click here for contact details for each of our centres.

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