OUR APPEAL IS NOW LIVE!

From 22–29 June, Waterloo Community Counselling is taking part in the Big Give Small Charities Week campaign – a powerful opportunity to double your impact. 

During this week, thanks to support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, every donation you make will be matched £1 for £1, meaning your support goes twice as far. 

Our goal: Raise £5,000 to unlock an additional £5,000 in match funding 

Why Your Support Matters 

At WCC, we provide accessible, low and no cost multilingual counselling to people living on low incomes as well as refugees and asylum seekers. These are individuals who would otherwise struggle to access mental health support. 

Demand for our services continues to grow. Many of the people we support are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, displacement, social isolation and financial hardship. 

WCC provides affordable, accessible, long-term counselling for people who cannot access or afford other options and includes: 

• Subsidised sessions ensure cost is never a barrier. 

• Longer-term support (up to 2 years) helps people address deep-rooted challenges. 

• Multilingual, diverse, experienced counsellors bring lived understanding of discrimination, disability and identity. 

• Community-based approach reduces stigma and builds lasting resilience. 

Your donation helps ensure that those who need support most can access our services, regardless of their financial circumstance. No one is turned away because they cannot afford to pay. 

What Your Donation Could Do

• £5 → £10 could help cover travel costs, ensure attendance without financial barriers. 

• £35 → £70 could fund a single life-changing counselling session for someone in need. 

• £630 → £1,260 could fund WCC’s minimum client offer of 18 sessions. 

Last year, 93% of clients reported an improvement in their mental health; 6536 counselling sessions were delivered; and 594 clients were supported.

During this campaign, every pound you give goes twice as far to help us grow the number of people we can support. 

How You Can Help

1) Make a personal donation (22–29 June)

Give during the campaign week to have your donation doubled. 

2) Rally your workplace

Your organisation can play a powerful role: 

• Donate directly to WCC during Small Charities Week 
• Share the campaign internally to encourage staff giving 
• Match employee donations 

3) Share with your network

Help us reach more people by: 

• Sharing our campaign on LinkedIn or email 
• Spreading the word to friends, colleagues and partners to encourage donations 

4) Get creative

Organise your own simple fundraiser in a way that works for you: 

• Sell pre-loved items and donate the proceeds 
• Host a bake sale or small gathering with friends and invite donations 
• Organise a workplace raffle 
• Offer a skill (yoga, workshop, tutoring) and invite donations 
• Set a fitness challenge or run a race 

Keen to get involved? Email our Community & Fundraising Manager today: lucian.dee@waterloocc.co.uk

Together, we can go further 

Small charities like WCC play a vital role in supporting communities, and with your help, we can reach even more people. 

This Small Charities Week, your support will go twice as far. 

The post Double Your Impact This Small Charity Week appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

At the end of March, we held the second gathering of Waterloo Community Counselling’s Expert by Experience (EbE) Group —- a space where refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who have experience of counselling at WCC come together to help shape the future of the organisation.

Building on the momentum of our first meeting, Session 2 brought a mix of returning and new members, each offering fresh insights, thoughtful reflections, and powerful suggestions for making WCC more welcoming, accessible and responsive.

Across three hours of discussion, creativity and honest sharing, the group helped us deepen our understanding of what the WCC experience feels like from the very first referral to longer‑term support needs. Below are some of the key themes and the actions we are taking forward.

Read more about this project here.

1. First Impressions: What It Feels Like to Arrive at WCC for the First Time

New members shared candid reflections about arriving at WCC and what it feels like to step into therapy for the very first time. Many described not knowing what to expect, feeling anxious, or worrying about small but stressful details such as pressing the wrong doorbell. Several people also said they initially struggled to find the building, especially before our new signs were installed.

These insights highlighted the importance of clear, simple and welcoming pre‑arrival information. The group suggested:

• Updating the directions we send to clients, including a picture of the correct door (which is now in place)
• Ensuring the entry bell instructions are easy to understand
• Reviewing our map and directions with EbE members
• Creating a short guide for referrers so that people receive the same clear information no matter where they’re coming from

Next steps:
We will work with group members to refine the written and visual information we provide before someone attends their first appointment or group, helping to reduce stress and build confidence from the outset.

2. Understanding Therapy: From Confusion to Relief

Many participants shared how unfamiliar psychotherapy felt when they first arrived. Several described a period of confusion before discovering the relief, connection and emotional release that came through being heard.

Comments such as “It was the first time someone listened to me” and “All that is heavy felt light afterwards” captured the power of the therapeutic relationship.

Some members also noted that the differences between therapy types: psychotherapy, CBT, group therapy were not clear before starting. This reinforces the need for accessible, culturally attuned information about therapy.

One important suggestion from the group was whether WCC could one day offer group therapy, especially for people who feel safer or more familiar with healing in community.

Next steps:

• The group is continuing to develop the new Therapy Guide co-created by members of the EbE group, to help new clients understand what to expect.
• We will explore the feasibility of a group therapy option, guided by member feedback.
• Members interested in training to become counsellors themselves will be connected with our Clinical Services Manager.

3. Essential Needs Beyond Therapy

Alongside therapeutic support, members reaffirmed that many clients face pressing challenges with immigration, housing, finances and accessing advice. Some felt they did not always know where else to turn, and others pointed out that many opportunities (such as groups and activities) only reach those already connected to particular counsellors or sessions.

To help make information more accessible across the whole refugee and asylum‑seeking community at WCC, the group proposed:

• Creating an WCC WhatsApp announcement channel for all refugee and asylum seeker clients – sharing updates, events, referrals, and opportunities
• Looking at whether WCC could build a caseworker or adviser role, separate from counsellors
• Being clearer about what WCC can and cannot provide so expectations are realistic and nobody feels abandoned or overlooked
• Strengthening partnerships with organisations already supporting our community.

Next steps:
We will begin developing a pilot WhatsApp channel, explore advice partnerships, and look into potential models for expanded practical support within our capacity.

4. Leadership, Advocacy and Representation

One inspiring theme from this session was members’ interest in taking a more active role beyond the group. Several expressed confidence in representing WCC at community events, funder meetings, or trustee and staff meetings. One member who had previously met funders for another charity offered to do the same for WCC – a powerful example of leadership rooted in lived experience.

The group also began preparing for a future visit from trustees and senior staff, helping ensure that lived experience conversations remain central to WCC decision‑making.

Next steps:

• Plan a preparation session on how staff, board and funder meetings work
• Create opportunities for EbE members to take part in videos, storytelling and ambassador roles
• Share updates about future trustee visits

5. Community Building and Creative Ideas

As with our first session, members brought forward an exciting mix of ideas about belonging, creativity and growth. Suggestions ranged from LGBTQ+ discussion spaces to community partnerships, video projects, and even improving the waiting room environment (including the much‑loved idea of a fish tank).

Throughout the session, members spoke openly about how being part of the group made them feel:

• “Thanks for asking for my opinion.”
• “I feel more important.”
• “We are here to make the organisation sparkle.”

These moments reaffirm that the EbE group is not just shaping WCC services – it is also a space of empowerment, confidence and collective care.

Next steps:

• Organise a dedicated video workshop
• Run a planning session for future roles and projects
• Continue exploring new group names
• Review environmental improvements for the waiting area

Looking Ahead

Our second Expert by Experience session strengthened our commitment to building a WCC shaped by the people who use it. Through practical suggestions, personal stories, and thoughtful reflection, group members continue to illuminate where we can grow and how we can better support people navigating trauma, displacement and rebuilding their lives.

The work ahead is both ambitious and energising — improving access, strengthening information, building community networks, expanding pathways for leadership, and making WCC a place where every voice feels valued.

Most importantly, these conversations remind us that recovery, empowerment and change are most powerful when designed with the people they are meant to serve.

The post Listening, Learning and Shaping the Future Together appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

Exploring London’s Cultural Spaces

Our core Meetups group has enjoyed several wonderful outings including two trips to the British Museum and two to the Hayward Gallery.

• At the British Museum, the Hawaii and Samurai exhibitions offered powerful historical reflections and rich discussions among the group.
• At the Hayward Gallery, the bold and imaginative work of Gilbert & George, Chiharu Shiota and Yin Xiuzhen sparked curiosity and creative conversation.

We’re deeply grateful to both institutions for generously providing free tickets for our community members — and for welcoming us so warmly.

Cooking, Music and Shared Experiences

We also enjoyed a fantastic cooking session at the Garden Museum, where participants prepared delicious pakoras, vegetable biryani and apple cake. Huge thanks to Ceri Jones for leading such a joyful workshop.

And once again, we were delighted to attend an uplifting Music and Lunch event with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at St John’s Church — a real highlight for the group.

Pottery, Gardening and Crafting

Our weekly groups have continued to thrive:

• The Pottery Group is creating remarkable new pieces as they prepare for a community exhibition this autumn, marking the end of the project in September.
• The Gardening Group has been hard at work transforming the WCC outdoor space — filling planters, laying pathways and planting new bulbs. With the warmer weather ahead, this space is already becoming a joyful place to gather.

Our Women’s Craft Club has also been busy making beautifully knitted hats, scarves and embroidered items.

A huge thank‑you to our wonderful partners — Mud Gang Pottery and Bankside Open Spaces Trust — for making these groups possible.

A New Group Begins

One of the most exciting developments of 2026 has been the launch of our brand‑new Men’s Creativity and Wellbeing Group, which began in January. We have a full blog post dedicated to this inspiring new space — please do take a look!

The post Updates from WCC Groups & Activities, January-March 2026 appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

Over the first months of 2026, the Men’s Creative Wellbeing Group met for five fun, imaginative and restorative sessions. Each fortnight brought a new theme designed to support grounding, connection and self‑expression through art, storytelling and play. What unfolded was a warm, laughter‑filled space where participants explored memories, culture, identity and hope – all through creativity.

“I haven’t laughed so much in years”

Session 1: Spirit Animals in Clay

We began with introductions, a grounding exercise, and a playful check‑in about spirit animals. This gentle start helped the group settle, laugh and connect.

A lively game of animal Pictionary lifted the energy in the room, before the group moved into the main creative activity: sculpting a spirit animal in air‑dry clay. From soaring birds to loyal dogs to powerful herd animals, each sculpture opened a doorway into personal histories and emotions – memories of childhood pets, family farms, and moments of comfort from home.

The atmosphere became peaceful as everyone focused on shaping their creations. Participants shared that it had been a long time since they had laughed so much or felt so relaxed in a group space. The feedback was warm, moving, and affirming: creativity helped people reconnect with joy.

Session 2: Painting Fruit – And Embodying It!

Our second gathering centred around fruit – through memory, movement and paint.

After grounding and gentle stretching, the group played a “fruit embodiment” game, exploring the personalities of different fruits: a brave coconut, a strict pineapple, a community of grapes, a mysterious banana… From these playful characters an impromptu story began to emerge, igniting the group’s imagination and sense of humour.

The main art activity, a still life fruit painting session, invited calm, colour mixing and quiet focus. Some participants painted for the first time and were surprised by their own artistic instincts. The atmosphere became reflective and absorbing, with several people sharing that the activity brought them real peace.

Session 3: Safe Places and Imaginary Lands

This week, the group explored the theme of safe places – real or imagined. The check‑in touched on landscapes and memories that held feelings of safety, nature, family and home.

After a grounding exercise and a geography‑themed quiz game, participants were introduced to different kinds of maps: medieval, fantasy, and cultural world maps. Using raw rice to outline coastlines, the group created their own islands, drawing rivers, forests, mountains, homes and creatures that represented safety, comfort and imagination.

The stories behind each island offered a beautiful glimpse into people’s inner landscapes: places of protection, belonging and possibility.

Session 4: Myths, Legends and Shadow Puppets

Our next theme moved into stories, fables and cultural myths. After check‑in and grounding, the group explored what makes a story: characters, meaning, tension, transformation.

A short demonstration of shadow puppetry sparked lots of laughter and curiosity. Then participants designed and created their own puppets – grandmothers, travellers, animals, mythical creatures and more. These figures would soon become characters in a collective story.

The session closed with a sense of anticipation as next session the puppets’ stories would come to life.

Session 5: The Hero’s Journey

The final before the month-long break session focused on shaping all the characters created the previous session into one shared narrative.

After grounding and a playful “ad‑libs” storytelling warm‑up, the group mapped their puppets onto classic story roles, hero, helper, guide, trickster, villain. Working with the structure of the Hero’s Journey, the group collaboratively built a story step by step, full of imagination, humour and symbolism.

This narrative will be written up into a short script to support a future performance using the puppets. The session ended with a gentle check‑out and reflections on how creativity opens up new ways of expressing strength, struggle, resilience and hope.

A Space for Community, Calm and Play

Across the five sessions, a consistent thread emerged: people felt safe, energised and lighter through creativity. They shared memories from home, learned new skills, connected with others from different cultures, and rediscovered laughter and imagination.

This project continues to show how creative practice can support wellbeing, offering grounding, connection, and a sense of belonging. We look forward to building even more shared stories, artworks and joyful moments in the sessions ahead.

The post Creativity and Connection in WCC’s new Men’s Wellbeing Group appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

In 2024, Lahja was referred to Waterloo Community Counselling. Her initial engagement with the organisation was through WCC’s social groups and activities for refugees and asylum seekers. For Lahja, these activities included the Gardening Club, seaside trips, and a visit to London’s Saatchi Gallery. Attending the regular groups provided a gentle and supportive entry point into the community, helping Lahja begin to rebuild trust and connection.

During one of the group outings, Lahja expressed a desire for counselling support. Following an initial consultation, she was offered 14 sessions of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, delivered by one of WCC’s counsellors on a one-off basis. Lahja shared her hopes for therapy:

 “I wanted to feel normal again and deal with trauma. Boost self-esteem and confidence.”

Throughout her EMDR sessions, Lahja remained actively involved in group activities, becoming a central and uplifting presence. Her therapy concluded in February 2025, and she reflected on the experience with gratitude:

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to understand myself, it has changed me. I never had someone listen to me before. I was able to open up completely for the first time. I can take this and continue to work on this.”

Recognising her ongoing mental health needs, WCC offered Lahja further counselling support in July 2025. She resumed sessions and continued to engage deeply with the wider WCC community. Beyond counselling and group support, WCC has been able to support Lahja with practical needs, such as attendance letters and printing, provision of a mobile phone and more. Lahja now attends college regularly and participates in multiple groups and activities. She has been invited to contribute to WCC’s Experts by Experience group, and also joined external initiatives, such as women’s group and in the Citizens of the World choir, In December the WCC team were able to see her sing at their Christmas concert!

Lahja describes WCC as a place where she feels “safe and supported.” Her involvement has not only aided her personal healing but has also helped foster a sense of community for others.

*Lahja kindly consented to sharing her story with her real name but we have changed her name according to our policy.

The post Lahja’s* journey appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

How to Leave a Gift in Your Will

Leaving a legacy gift is simple and can be tailored to your wishes. Here are a few ways to do it:

1. Include WCC in your will
   You can leave:
   • A pecuniary gift – a fixed amount of money.
   • A residuary gift – a percentage of your estate after other gifts and costs have been paid.
   • A specific gift – a particular item of value, such as property or shares.
2. Use the correct wording
   To include WCC in your will, please use our full name and registered charity number: Waterloo Community Counselling, Registered Charity No. 1045444 Example wording: “I give to Waterloo Community Counselling, Registered Charity No. 1045444, [insert amount or percentage] of my estate to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
3. Consult a solicitor or will-writing service
   Professional advice ensures your wishes are clearly recorded and legally valid.
4. Let us know (if you wish)
   If you decide to leave a gift to WCC, we’d love to hear from you. It helps us plan for the future and gives us a chance to thank you – though you’re under no obligation to tell us.

The post Leave a Legacy of Hope and Healing appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

About the Partnership 

Waterloo Community Counselling is proud to partner with King’s College London’s Service & Research Projects Hub, an initiative that connects King’s students and academics with local community and voluntary organisations to co-design dissertation projects addressing real-world challenges. 

The Hub reflects King’s strategic vision of “Knowledge with Purpose: Service & Impact”, bringing together academic expertise and grassroots experience to generate research that delivers tangible benefits for local communities. Through this collaboration, students gain practical research and evaluation experience beyond the university setting, while community partners like WCC help shape projects that respond to pressing social needs and improve outcomes for vulnerable groups. 

As part of this initiative, WCC proposed several research questions centred on the complexities of delivering counselling in grassroots settings. In academic year 2024-2025 two King’s Master’s students were selected to base their dissertations on WCC’s work—one focusing on staff perspectives and the other on counsellors’ experiences. Their projects explored how community counselling organisations manage professional boundaries while supporting clients with urgent practical needs. 

WCC extends its sincere gratitude to King’s College London and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience for their partnership, and to the students and supervisors who have dedicated their time, care, and academic rigour to advancing understanding of community-based counselling practice. 

The Value of Partnership 

For WCC: Access to academic expertise, evidence-based findings, and fresh ideas that inform service development. 

For students: Real-world learning experiences, direct engagement with community issues, and opportunities to create social impact. 

For the community: Research rooted in lived realities, contributing to more responsive and inclusive local mental health services. 

This collaboration exemplifies how academia and community organisations can learn from one another—combining scientific research and frontline experience to strengthen support for those most in need. 

Spotlight on the Research Project 

Both King’s researchers examined the question: 

Managing therapeutic boundaries in community counselling settings: How do counsellors and counselling organisations manage their clients’ practical demands? 

This topic goes to the heart of WCC’s mission—supporting vulnerable communities facing multiple layers of difficulty. For many of our clients, issues such as housing insecurity, asylum processes, or welfare access can directly affect their ability to engage in therapy. Yet as a small charity, WCC does not have the capacity to conduct internal research on these challenges. Partnering with King’s allows us to gain valuable evidence-based insights that inform how we balance compassion with professional boundaries. 

This collaboration benefits the wider community by bringing a world-renowned university into dialogue with local grassroots services—sharing knowledge, expertise, and lived experience to enhance how we all support those in need. 

Ruyi’s Research: “Beyond Boundaries” 

One of the dissertations, Beyond Boundaries: How Third-Sector Counselling Organisations Navigate the Tension Between Professional Limits and Moral Imperatives, was conducted by Ruyi, a master’s student from King’s MSc Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology programme. 

Ruyi interviewed 7 members of WCC’s office team across administration, clinical coordination, and finance roles to explore how staff navigate blurred boundaries between professional responsibility and moral duty when clients face complex, practical crises such as homelessness, asylum issues, or food insecurity. 

Key themes identified in Ruyi’s research: 

Impact of practical issues on counselling: Clients’ survival challenges often disrupt therapeutic work and attendance. 

Structural constraints: Limited funding, staffing, and space restrict WCC’s capacity to address practical needs. 

Organisational challenges: Staff frequently take on extra responsibilities outside their roles, leading to blurred boundaries. 

Coping strategies: Use of material support (e.g., food bank vouchers, SIM cards) and referral networks to partner agencies. 

Dual attitudes: Pride in WCC’s mission alongside frustration over limited resources. 

Ruyi’s recommendations included developing data-driven boundary management, standardising referral and funding frameworks, and strengthening cross-role communication within the organisation. 

Her work provides valuable insights into how WCC—and similar community counselling services—can continue to support clients ethically, sustainably, and compassionately. 

Click here to download Ruyi’s dissertation.

We are grateful for this partnership with King’s, and pleased to be working together on several projects in 2025-2026.

The post Building Knowledge through Community: WCC’s Partnership with King’s College London  appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

Creative Workshops with Wise Ram Theatre

We were delighted to be invited to two inspiring workshops hosted by Wise Ram Theatre, both centred around nature and creativity. In September, we joined a session in Archbishop’s Park exploring local habitats, followed by a reflective poetry workshop. Then in October, we headed to the South London Botanical Institute for a plant-themed comedy workshop that had us laughing and learning in equal measure.

These sessions have been a joyful way for our group to engage with environmental themes through art and storytelling. Huge thanks to Wise Ram for welcoming us so warmly!

Drumming with Tony B Happy

In early October, we organised a lively drumming workshop at St John’s Church with local legend Tony B Happy Drums. Tony brought the rhythm, the energy, and the fun (and about 20 drums!) – teaching us classic ‘riddims’ and encouraging everyone to make some joyful noise. It was a brilliant afternoon of music, movement, and community.

A Sweet Return to Bees & Refugees

Just a week later, our group hopped on the train to Otford, Kent for a magical day with Bees & Refugees. We explored the hives, learned about beekeeping, made candles from beeswax, and even took home some delicious honey. The sun was shining, the countryside was glowing, and the sense of connection, both with nature and each other, was truly special.

A heartfelt thank you to Ali and Marah and the whole Bees & Refugees team for their warmth and generosity. We’re so grateful for these unforgettable experiences.

The post Autumn Adventures with the Meetups Group appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

Pottery Club with Mud Gang

Every Wednesday morning since 3rd September, our refugee social group has been getting their hands dirty—in the best way possible! In partnership with the wonderful team at Mud Gang Pottery, just a stone’s throw from the WCC office, participants have been learning the foundational skills of pottery. From shaping clay to glazing their first creations, the group has already produced some beautiful pieces. Over the coming months, they’ll move on to wheel work and more advanced techniques, building both skills and confidence.

Gardening Club with Bankside Open Spaces Trust

Also returning on 3rd September was the much-loved WCC Gardening Club, now led by the brilliant Bethia from Bankside Open Spaces Trust. After a short hiatus, the garden is once again buzzing with activity. Sessions take place in the WCC garden and occasionally spill into the neighbouring Living Space, where the group has enjoyed workshops like tomato pickling and seasonal planning.

Over the past few weeks, the group has been busy preparing the WCC garden for the colder months—harvesting the last of the summer crops, turning the soil, planting a fresh grass lawn, deadheading blooms, and tucking bulbs into the earth for spring. It’s been a joy to watch the space come back to life, full of care and community.

Building Community, Week by Week

Having these groups meet weekly has made a real difference. Participants are not only engaging deeply with the activities – they’re also forming strong bonds with each other. In just a few weeks, the sense of community has grown beautifully.

We’re so proud of what’s blossoming – both in clay and compost – and can’t wait to see how these groups evolve over the coming year.

The post Clay, Compost & Connection: New Weekly Social Activities for Refugees at WCC appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.

1. Introduction

At Waterloo Community Counselling, we believe that access to mental health support is a basic human right — not a luxury. This World Mental Health Day, we stand with communities around the globe to spotlight the urgent need for better mental health services, especially in times of catastrophe and emergency.

Although WCC does not provide emergency mental health care, we increasingly encounter individuals in crisis — a troubling sign that too many people face emergencies without the support they need. This year’s theme, “Access to services: mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” resonates deeply with our work and the challenges we witness every day.

And this isn’t just a global issue — it’s a local one too. Across the UK, many people still struggle to access timely help. At WCC, we see the impact firsthand: individuals arriving in deep distress because support wasn’t available when they needed it most. Whether globally or locally, access to mental health care should be something everyone can count on.

2. Mental Health in Emergencies — Why It Matters

Mental health emergencies come in many forms — from suicidal thoughts and severe panic attacks to acute trauma following violence, war, or disaster. In these moments, people are at their most vulnerable and need calm, compassionate, and professional care.

Yet across the UK, many in crisis are still met by the police rather than trained mental health professionals. This isn’t because the police are best equipped to help — it’s because dedicated crisis services are overstretched. Without the right support, distress can escalate instead of being eased.

People in crisis deserve to be met with understanding and expertise. Access to trained mental health responders can make a life-changing difference — helping individuals feel safe, supported, and able to begin their recovery.

At WCC, we often meet people who have faced crises alone or without the right care at the time. Their stories remind us why timely, professional, and compassionate mental health support is essential — not only during an emergency, but in the healing that follows.

3. Beyond the Crisis — Recovery and Prevention

Mental health support shouldn’t end when the immediate crisis does. Recovery is just as critical. Without ongoing care, people are often left to navigate the aftermath of trauma alone — a path that can lead to long-term mental health challenges.

Services must be equipped to offer healing and support after the crisis has passed, helping individuals rebuild stability and wellbeing.

Prevention is equally vital. Early access to mental health support can reduce the risk of crises developing in the first place. When people receive help at the right time, they’re less likely to reach breaking point. That’s why well-funded, accessible services — across both the NHS and the charity sector — are essential.

At WCC, we provide counselling and psychotherapy to people from all walks of life, including refugees and asylum seekers who often carry multiple layers of trauma. Our work is part of a wider ecosystem of care that must be strong, inclusive, and sustainable. By supporting people when they’re feeling low, we can prevent situations from escalating — and help them find hope and resilience for the future.

4. WCC’s Role in the Wider System

Every day at WCC, we support individuals who have experienced crisis — including refugees, asylum seekers, and those coping with trauma, loss, or displacement. Many come to us after navigating situations no one should have to face alone.

Our role is to offer long-term counselling and psychotherapy as part of a broader mental health care system. For this system to truly meet the needs of our communities, it must be well-funded, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and accessible to all.

The reality is clear: the less access people have to quality mental health services, the more likely they are to face emergencies. Early intervention doesn’t just prevent crises — it can save lives. And when emergencies do occur, services must be ready to provide support and healing long after the crisis has passed.

That’s why we continue to advocate for investment in preventative mental health care, alongside robust services across both the NHS and the charity sector.

Together, we can build a society where support is available before, during, and after crisis — and where everyone has the chance to heal.

At WCC, we will continue to stand with our community, offering a safe space for healing, hope, and resilience — because no one should face their struggles alone.

The post World Mental Health Day 2025 appeared first on Waterloo Community Counselling.