What began with just two people in a small room at the back of a community centre on Dickson Road has grown into something truly extraordinary.
Today, Counselling in the Community is a registered charity supported by over 130 dedicated volunteers, operating from four hubs, and providing mental health support to around 150 people each week—and that number continues to rise.The demand for mental health services has grown significantly over the years. One thing that has remained constant is that demand always outweighs funding. Two important lessons have guided us through every challenge:If you truly want to make something happen, you will.And there is always a way.
The funding landscape is more difficult than ever. More charities are applying for less available funding, and individual giving is down. But we remain committed to adjusting, evolving, and continuing to serve our community.As we reflect on this milestone, we want to say thank you. It is a privilege to open our doors each day to offer support, hope, and care. We’ve met incredible individuals along the way and are proud of the impact we’ve made—together.Here’s to continuing the journey.
2025 marks 8 years of CITC
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We’re a Blackpool-based counselling charity offering affordable, compassionate support for children aged 4+, young people, and adults
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Welcome to CITC – Counselling in the Community!
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself, your child, or someone you care about – we’re here to listen, and here to help.
Sessions start from just £5, because we believe everyone deserves access to mental health support – no matter their circumstances.
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Clients in receipt of benefits: £5
Clients whose household income is lower than £20,000: £10
Clients whose household income exceeds £20,000: £20
Initial assessment: £10
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*If money is a worry, please still come to us — we will never turn anyone away. If you’re able to contribute even £1, it’s truly appreciated. Anything helps us continue supporting others.
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Cost per session
Jessies story
Jessie's Story
Counselling in the community are a charity that takes a counselling service and makes it affordable for absolutely anyone who needs it, so no matter what your financial situation you can still receive the support you need. Counselling in the community for this reason alone have saved many lives ... Lives like mine.
In August 2022, I was grieving, isolated from my friends and family. I felt hopeless, lonely and scared of everything. I didn't want to be here anymore. So I took the plunge and went to the Dr. He diagnosed me with severe anxiety and depression and he referred me to a trauma specialist where the waiting list was 3 months away. Knowing I couldn't wait that long he'd put me in contact with Counselling in the community.
Within a week of contacting counselling in the community I had been called in for my initial assessment, partnered with my counsellor and booked in for my first session. I attended my first session feeling scared, upset and not wanting to go through with the help, feeling like I was wasting their time. But I left my session feeling heard, supported and actually hopeful that I can get through the tough time.
I had my second session where we spoke about how I coped with everything I have been through, the things I like to do and the things I find comforting. I explained I enjoyed reading as it takes me away into a different world. My third session was after a hard day so I called up and asked them to explain to my counsellor I couldn't face talking today. I didn't want to open up and I just wanted to be alone so wouldn't be attending my session.
Less than half an hour later I received a phone call to reschedule as my counsellor would like to see me the next day instead, she said it's fine that I didn't want to open up and she understood, she told me she was having a bad day too and felt similar so we would meet the next day and go through it together.I attended the next day, and she had seen a book and thought of me when she saw it. She gave it to me and told me she didn't care for reading but she wanted me to finish the first chapter and tell her all about it.
Someone cared for me. Now, years on. I am an advocate for counselling in the community, I am engaged and happy. I have a wonderful support system in my friends and family, and I want to share my story to help others.
