Ensuring access to mental health services in North Somerset

Wellspring Counselling has received a £20,000 grant from National Grid to provide subsidised counselling sessions for people who are struggling financially.

The Wellspring service provides free and subsidised counselling to people in North Somerset who are struggling with their mental health. In 2021 it delivered 2,675 sessions to nearly 300 people, providing vital support for those most in need.

Due to the increase in the cost of living, Wellspring has found that a growing number of people are unable to financially contribute to sessions. Rather than turn those in need away, Wellspring offers a bursary fund which provides subsidised or completely free sessions to eligible people. Around 60% of patients are currently receiving this vital subsidised support.

National Grid’s grant will enable Wellspring to provide a valuable six weeks of counselling to 80 clients over the year. This will allow the organisation to continue providing services to existing clients and extend the subsidised sessions to people looking for help.

Wellspring delivers their essential counselling services to the North Somerset area and has served the community for nearly three decades. The bursary grant has become increasingly important for vulnerable people who are struggling financially. Mental health has a significant impact on individual’s lives and can make it difficult for them to work. By providing  access to counselling services, these individuals are given a chance to get back on their feet.

This generous funding from the National Grid gives us the opportunity to offer local people who are struggling with severe financial hardship one-to-one counselling, which is not only affordable but is also professional and effective.

Wendy Griffin, Director at Wellspring Counselling Ltd commented: "The community grant we have received from National Grid could not have come at a better time for many people in North Somerset who need to use our counselling service.  

"We have recently seen a real increase in clients not being able to afford to pay for sessions, even at the reduced rate we already offer. This generous funding from National Grid gives us the opportunity to offer local people who are struggling with severe financial hardship one-to-one counselling, which is not only affordable but is also professional and effective.”

Steve Haskayne, Director of the Hinkley Connection Project commented: “Wellspring Counselling is a fantastic service which is providing essential mental health support to those who need it most.   

"The cost of living crisis has made it challenging for many organisations like Wellspring to continue providing their valuable services to the community, we are delighted to be able to support and enable their vital work through our funding.”