13th December 2017

Buckinghamshire Mind is actively taking referrals to its Young People’s Counselling Service in Aylesbury. The Service, for 11 to 18 year olds, provides Counsellors who work one-to-one with young people experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, difficulties with anger, recovery from traumatic events or other mental health difficulties. There is currently no waiting list for this service.

The sessions are subsidised through a grant from Aylesbury Vale District Council and are charged on a sliding scale dependent on individual financial circumstances. This means that the service is able to help young people who urgently need support but cannot afford private therapy or do not meet criteria for statutory services.

“We know that over 50% of mental illnesses start before the age of 14 and that 1 in 10 children and young people has a mental health problem,” says Sharron Harrison, Children and Young People’s Team Lead, Buckinghamshire Mind. “However, early intervention such as counselling for young people can help to ensure good mental health into adulthood.”

The Young People’s Counselling Service provides a safe and confidential place for young people to talk about the issues they are experiencing.

“I got to talk through what my issues were at school in a safe and confidential space and it really helped me.”

 – 16-year-old service user

The service can be accessed without the need for a referral from a GP or other health professional.

“Going to counselling at Bucks Mind helped my daughter so much. The process from making the appointment to doing the sessions was so smooth and we didn’t have to wait.”

 – Parent of a service user

The Service is independent, operating separately from GPs and other Statutory Agencies, and is an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. All Buckinghamshire Mind’s counsellors adhere to and work within the BACP Ethical Framework.

To find out more about Buckinghamshire Mind’s Young People’s Counselling Service, please call 01494 463364 or visit www.bucksmind.org.uk/services/counselling-for-young-people