Waterloo Community Counselling
People: Improving people’s mental wellbeing
We work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable migrants, refugees and asylum seekers living in London, by providing counselling in up to 30 different languages and holistic support.
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About this cause
Waterloo Community Counselling is a vital community resource addressing the need for affordable, accessible counselling and mental health support in Southwark and Lambeth, where 50% of beneficiaries reside, and across London. We are one of only a handful of London-wide services to offer long-term therapy at reduced fees or for free. We reach adults from diverse backgrounds who are struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and chronic pain/illness, but cannot access the support they need due to language, cultural or economic barriers. We provide free culturally sensitive counselling in 30 languages for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who have survived war, exile, torture, trafficking and modern slavery. We also offer holistic support, groups, signposting and referrals.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Counselling provides a safe space where people can talk about difficult experiences and express their emotions. Counselling helps clients understand their thoughts and feelings better, focus on their strengths, build their resilience and confidence, and improve their relationships with family members, and the wider community. We refer/signpost clients to foodbanks and other agencies and services to help them access practical support. Support helps clients feel less isolated and reduces their levels of anxiety and depression, so they feel that they can cope better with the challenges they face. Last year, 87% of clients said that the main problems that brought them to counselling had been addressed. One recent client felt that seeing and talking to their counsellor had saved their life.