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Young People’s Counselling

Funded and Confidential Counselling for young people aged 17-25 participating in sport and physical activity  

01206 764600

Access our Counselling Service

Free, confidential counselling for young people aged 17–25

Sometimes, taking part in sport or physical activity can help you feel more connected, confident and supported.

But we also know that life can feel difficult at times — and you might need some extra support with what is going on for you.

Thanks to funding through the Active Essex Foundation, we are offering free counselling sessions for young people aged 17–25 who take part in sports or physical activities funded by Active Essex Foundation in Colchester, Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Tendring.

If you are eligible, you can access up to six counselling sessions, either in person or online.

Access our Counselling Service FAQ

What we can help with

You do not need to have everything worked out before asking for support. Counselling can give you space to talk about whatever is on your mind, including:

  • anxiety or stress
  • low mood or depression
  • relationships and friendships
  • identity and life direction
  • exams, work or worries about the future
  • anything else that feels difficult right now
Access our Counselling Service

Who can access this support?

This counselling offer is for young people aged 17–25 who take part in sport or physical activity through one of the following Active Essex Foundation funded organisations:

  • Team Kinetix
  • Project ME
  • Wilderness Foundation
  • Reach Group
  • Places Leisure
  • Combat Academy
  • The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS)
  • The Outhouse
  • Boys & Men
  • Summit
  • Simply Active, previously Changing Lives Colchester
  • Healthwatch Essex
  • UTurn

Young people can self-refer, or delivery partners can signpost young people who may benefit from counselling support.

When you get in touch, we will ask which sports or physical activity organisation you are connected with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling sessions through this programme are fully funded by Active Essex Foundation, so there is no cost to eligible young people.

Each session lasts for 50 minutes, and eligible young people can access up to six sessions.

 

If you are eligible, you can access up to six fully funded counselling sessions through this programme.

Each session lasts around 50 minutes. Your counsellor will work with you at your pace and help you think about what support may be helpful next.

Daytime and evening appointments are available depending on availability and we can offer virtual, phone and face-to face. Our counselling room for face-to-face is in Colchester.

About our Counselling Service 

 
All our counsellors are either accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or are actively working toward their accreditation, ensuring they meet BACP’s high standards. Mid and North Essex Mind is proud to be a BACP-accredited counselling service.
 
Our team includes counsellors with training in a range of therapeutic approaches, giving us the flexibility to support you in a way that works best for you. We work hard to match you with a counsellor who best meets your needs.
 
We also partner with the University of Essex, Suffolk University, and other local institutions to provide training opportunities for student counsellors in their final year.

 

How to access our counselling services 

 

To access our Young People’s Counselling services, please complete the self-referral form below. 

Our dedicated admin team will respond to you as soon as possible.