We were delighted to receive a donation of £8,000 from Aylesbury Town Council last week to help us increase our counselling provision for 13-25 year olds.

For 40+ years, Youth Concern has supported young people from across Aylesbury Vale. Counselling is just one of the services available to vulnerable, socially and financially disadvantaged, and at risk young people – and never has it been more needed.

Last year, 473 young people visited the Drop-in Centre on Whitehill Lane. In addition to other services – emotional support, help with education, training and employment, food and care parcels, advice about sexual health and substance misuse, and accommodation support, 50 of those young people received counselling.

The young people we counsel have mental health issues, struggles at school, challenging family relationships, difficult living environments, are at risk of offending or exclusion from school. Since the arrival of COVID-19 the need for this support has increased; young people are reporting increased levels of anxiety and difficulty in coping.

Margaret Woolley, Youth Concern’s Counselling Lead, explained ‘Our counselling provision is person-centred, allowing the young person to talk about what matters to them, in their own time and without pressure. Each counselling session is confidential and, thanks to funders like Aylesbury Town Council, free of charge. Young people can be referred to our counselling service by GPs, CAMHS, schools and college, parents or friends. They can also refer themselves.’

Contact Margaret if you need any further information.