A LOCAL counselling service recently celebrated 20 years in operation at a party held at Brockenhurst Village Hall which was attended by The Rt. Hon. Sir Desmond Swayne, MP.

Compass Counselling, a registered charity based in Lymington, was set up by David Lewis, CEO.

“I had the idea when I was working in a counselling centre in Southampton which allowed people to pay what they could afford," he said.

"There was no such service in the New Forest area, so I started Compass in November 1998 following the same ethos of providing high quality affordable counselling and we have been steadily growing ever since."

Over the last couple of years, Compass’ client numbers have doubled, 53 per cent of whom are referred to them by their local GP.

“People come to us because they feel empty, isolated, unhappy, are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement or family/work relationship problems," said David.

"Counselling gives people a space to talk openly, explore their feelings and gain new understanding.” Explained David.

Compass has British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) service accreditation and adheres to their Ethical Framework of Counselling Professions which ensures they offer a highly professional service.

As well as continuing to grow client numbers, Compass also has plans to expand the services offered over the next five years to include group therapy and possibly couples counselling but the scope of any expansion is limited by the difficulty in obtaining funding.

Compass receives no funding from the NHS but relies on grants and donations each year from individuals, trusts and councils to make ends meet financially.

“We have also been lucky over the years in that we have had, and still have, many volunteers who have given their valuable time at no cost and that is why we had this celebration, to recognise and thank not only all current staff and counsellors, but also those individuals who have been involved in Compass over the last 20 years. Without these people Compass would not still be operating."

If you would like some counselling or to make a donation, visit www.compasscounselling.co.uk, send an email enquiry to administrator@compasscounselling.co.uk, or phone the office on 01590 674011.