A NON-PROFIT Poole counselling organisation has celebrated three years of providing affordable mental health services.

The week starting September 23 makes three years since Poole Community Counselling was founded to provide a "valuable alternative" to the NHS.

Run by a team of volunteer counsellors in advanced stages of training, PCC offers between 100 and 450 hours of volunteer counselling as part of trainee placements.

A recent trainee counsellor said: “During my 150 hours of voluntary counselling at Poole Community Counselling, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact this service has on people who are often overlooked by overstretched NHS services.

"One of my clients, who came in feeling suicidal, found herself unable to access NHS group counselling due to severe anxiety and transport issues.

"After 15 sessions, she made remarkable progress towards living a more social and balanced life. This is just one of many stories illustrating the life-changing power of the work we do.”

The organisation offers prices of sessions on a sliding scale between £15-30 which is linked to income.

Counsellors are trained in integrated counselling, tailoring therapy to individual needs by using various techniques and offering open-ended sessions.

Company director, Jane Zoega, said: "Poole Community Counselling has the infrastructure and capacity to help more people who are struggling with their mental health.

"With more support and collaboration, we could make an even greater impact and ensure more people, especially those falling through the cracks, receive the care they need.”

Poole Community Counselling has partnered with several charities which has included #WillDoes, which funds counselling for young people aged 18-25 and Sovereign Network Group which both funded six counselling sessions for new parents.

Poole Community Counselling have also worked with universities in Bournemouth, to offer discounted sessions for students.

A spokesperson for PCC said: "As mental health service demand continues to exceed supply Poole Community Counselling is a valuable yet under-utilised resource.

"The organisation invites local charities and groups to collaborate, helping expand access to affordable mental health care."

For more information or partnership enquiries visit PCC's website.