Hi, my name is Gill and I'm a therapeutic counsellor (MBACP Accred.) working in Brighton and Hove. I have been working with the Whitehawk Foodbank for the past 3 years to offer each client up to 20 sessions of free counselling, who are 18+ and use the foodbank service.

I am looking to continue this work and expand the number of therapists and spaces I can offer for this invaluable service to the local community.

I work holistically with a collaborative, relational approach to walk alongside each individual and support them at their own pace. I aim to support self-empowerment and equip those I work with to build their inner strengths. I work alongside other services at the Community Cafe at St Cuthman's advocating for further support in aspects such as debt and money advice, health and housing support, and food poverty.

The funds will be used to pay counsellors a reduced fee for their time and keep the service free for those who need it, and to cover running costs. It will also help fund workshops around trauma and stabilisation for volunteers and staff working with local homelessness and the most vulnerable in Brighton. We keep our overheads to a minimum, putting any money into sessions and workshops.

Below are a few quotes, in their own words, from the feedback forms clients fill out at the end of therapy sessions:

“Every area you helped me with have helped me go forward in life.”

“Very professional, kind, empathetic, patient, always tuned into me, overall good experience.”

“The holistic approach and techniques used were great.”

“The counselling has helped my life so much, without it I’m not sure how I would be now, it’s literally a life saver!”

“My relationships are improved through reflection on my and other’s behaviours.”

“With calm help and guidance, I’ve managed to implement certain things into my day to day which has improved my life.”

“Absolutely. It has helped me understand myself and why I love people but yet fear them. The scientific underpinning was very helpful.”

“My social anxiety is greatly reduced. I am able to implement the tools * has shown me into my everyday life. I feel listened to.”

“Overall, I feel my life would be in an entirely different place had I not stumbled across this service.”

“I feel like I have made a massive dent in the positivity and direction for my life”.

“More funding to continue this service would be great.”

“Literally changed my life”

“Getting to the root cause of life experience has proven crucial rather than a focus on symptoms (abusive relationships, ill health etc).

“The number of sessions (20) is what was needed in my case. We unpacked a lot. Please keep (this service). * is brilliant as her job. I am very grateful. Thank you!”