Members of Cirencester Rotary Club were delighted to welcome Zoe Wolton from Cotswold Counselling last week who gave an update on the charity, via Zoom.

Since the start of this pandemic last year, Cotswold Counselling has seen a huge increase in demand for their service.

They have adapted and continue to offer much-needed counselling to many local residents either online via zoom, telephone and even a few face-to-face sessions were possible.

Unfortunately there are up to 100 people on the waiting list at any time but many of the professional counsellors are sometimes seeing 8-10 clients weekly, even though they would normally only work with three.

The demand for counselling of children and young people is unprecedented, with acute anxiety regarding Covid, schooling and exams.

There has been a significant increase in young people self-harming, experiencing suicidal feelings and also many struggling with isolation from friends and a good support network.

Cotswold Counselling has almost 100 voluntary counsellors working across all age ranges and has recruited more specialist counsellors trained for working with young people to cope with this increased demand.

Administration has now increased by more than 60 hours per month and additional funds are being sought from Covid grants and trusts to support subsidised training courses which include a focus on the most important current issues.

Cotswold Counselling is a registered charity which was established thirty years ago and is run by a dedicated team of experienced staff.

They deploy the services of experienced and trained volunteer counsellors, many of whom also work independently.

Counsellors are provided with on-going training and professional, clinical supervision.

Cirencester Rotary Club has chosen Cotswold Counselling as one of the charities to benefit from their forthcoming online Mega-Auction, kindly sponsored by Moore Allen & Innocent.

To get involved, offer an auction Lot or discuss potential sponsored experiences please contact Cirencester Rotary Club Members: Howard Davies on howard.m.davies@btinterntet.com or Christine Sheldon on csheldon1000@gmail.com.