They say there’s not much that can’t be solved with a good cup of tea and a chat.

So that’s just how Lincoln-based counselling service Supporting Minds celebrated World Mental Health Day (Tuesday 10^th October) as it reached its third birthday.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day 2014, owner Jenine Butroid created the non-profit company as an affordable alternative to private care and to help those not able to get immediate help from the NHS. Sessions cost just £10 per hour.

Jenine said: “I’m really proud of what we have achieved as a company. To start from nothing three years ago, to now employing more than 70 paid and voluntary staff who look after around 500 clients, is amazing.

“What we’re most proud of though is the fact that we’ve launched so many careers with our teaching courses. As clients come to us for help, they are also helping student counsellors gain experience through shadowing our more experienced staff and guiding clients towards ways of coping with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.”

The company, which has offices at the Carlton Centre in the city, is a BTEC Centre of Excellence. It offers a level 5 qualification in counselling as well as one-day courses. Jenine and her team are seeking to launch further training opportunities in 2018.

Supporting Minds supports those from as young as five to as old as 70 and offers a variety of therapies including one-to-one sessions, family and group sessions and even art therapy.

Jenine added: “We have become one of the main providers of mental health services in the county. The NHS, police and fire service all refer to us, which shows that we are trusted.

“We have had some real success stories too; my personal favourite was a young client who came to us for just a few sessions with severe anxiety. She was unable to attend school owing to her condition, but has since gone on to sit and pass her GCSEs.

“Making that difference is important to us, so we decided to celebrate by inviting clients and counsellors round for a slice of cake, a cup of tea and a chat which was a great way to mark the occasion.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Supporting Minds is an affordable counselling service based at the Carlton Centre, Lincoln.
• Director and founder Jenine Butroid is a qualified counsellor and has experience within the education and health sector.
• For more information, follow Supporting Minds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For media information contact:
Mike Shields
Shooting Star                          
01522 528540
mike@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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