Renew contributes to BACP report on third sector counselling
Renew was invited to contribute to the recently published Bridging the Gaps, a report from BACP and Public First that highlights the critical role of third sector counselling services across England. The report explores the challenges faced by organisations like ours, alongside the immense value these services bring to their communities.
At Renew, we see daily how community-based counselling bridges gaps in mental health provision, offering specialist, flexible support to people who might struggle to access traditional services. This aligns with the report’s findings, which show that third sector organisations are not only meeting rising demand but also providing tailored help to individuals from marginalised or minoritised backgrounds.
However the report also highlights growing pressures, including rising costs, complex funding arrangements and increasing client needs. Some charities are already being forced to close, leaving gaps in vital provision. These findings resonate with the challenges we face at Renew, but also underscore the resilience and dedication within the sector to meet these needs despite difficulties.
By spotlighting the experiences of 11 third sector organisations, Bridging the Gaps makes key recommendations to support sustainability, such as longer-term funding arrangements, streamlined commissioning processes and ensuring that specialist services are accessible to all who need them.
Being part of this report is a recognition of the work we do at Renew and the impact we have in our community. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on how we as a sector can continue to grow and adapt to meet future challenges.
If you’d like to learn more about the vital work happening across the third sector and the steps needed to ensure its future, download the full report Bridging the Gaps from BACP’s website.
