Community Counselling (North Yorkshire) Limited

Who we are

Community Counselling was set up as a counselling project in 1995, and established as an independent charity in 2013.  The primary object of the charity is:

To relieve the mental suffering and distress of persons in need by reason of illness or emotional distress in North Yorkshire by providing or assisting in the provision of counselling, support and therapeutic interventions.

As shown in our 2022/23 Annual Report, last year we helped over 800 vulnerable people, across North Yorkshire, experiencing a wide range of mental health issues.

We offered nearly 5,000 accessible, professional therapeutic interventions such as counselling, play and creative art therapy, and EMDR (trauma) treatment. The clinical team comprises some 30 part-time practitioners, being a mixture of staff, volunteers (including trainee counsellors on a placement) and sessional workers. 

Our culture and values

Our work brings social value to the area that we serve. According to the Shaw Trust, Social value is about the wellbeing of current and future generations and covers three different areas:

·         Social – the wellbeing of individuals and communities

·         Economic – putting in place economic policies and business practices to improve the wellbeing of society

·         Environmental – looking after the social and physical environment and where possible developing more sustainable processes

The excellent outcomes achieved for our clients contribute to the first of these areas. Our clients tell us that they feel more confident, less isolated and have improved familial and social relationships: healthier (in terms of mental health) and happier individuals, who have better coping strategies and are making better lifestyle choices, are also more likely to make a positive contribution economically.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

CCL is committed to:

·         Seeking to eliminate oppression and lack of opportunity within CCL (including employment, volunteering, membership, governance and services).

·         Working towards a just and participatory society.

·         Challenging oppression and inequality.

·         Giving priority to working with those whose full participation in society is limited by economic, political or social disadvantage.

·         Positively promoting its core values in all areas of its work and structure.

·         Ways of working that ensure equality of opportunity, participation, co-operation, democratic involvement and accountability.

·         Fulfilling all legislative requirements concerning equality and diversity.

·         Encouraging members of CCL and others with whom CCL works to adopt and practise a similar policy.

CCL recognises that it has a particular responsibility to address the rural aspects of oppression and lack of opportunity.