Welcome to HELP
Based in Portobello Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, HELP Counselling Centre provides short & long-term counselling based on an affodable, sliding scale for people who need support in negotiating a crisis as well as for those who wish to consider their life patterns and choices.
HELP addresses the need for mental health services in the local community, a need not fully met by the NHS. 1 in 4 adults experience mental health problems (Mental Health Foundation 2012).
That means approximately 45,000 adults in K & C alone are suffering in this way. This in turn affects family life, relationships, and life in the workplace.
Here’s how one HELP client described their HELP experience:
I would like to express my appreciation for being there for me when I
was at my most desperate moment. I would have to say if HELP
were not available am not sure I would be here today to say thank you.
I was going through such a low with work related stress when I went to
see my doctor, she gqve me the HELP number to see if they could fit me
in. I was put on the NHS waiting list. Thankfully I was able to be
seen by HELP within two weeks. The NHS took 3 months before they were
able to fit me in to see a counsellor. I have to say within that 3
months time period I was going through so much hurt and pain with very
low self esteem. What I was going through at the time, I am not sure if
I had to rely on the NHS I would be here today. All I was feeling at
the time was that I did not want to be alive. Having the
availability to see a counsellor sooner rather than later is a life saver.
To set the stage for positive life change, please phone 020 7221 9974 or 020 7221 7914. We usually have a relatively short waiting list for which we’d take some details, including your name, contact number, a brief mental health history and times when you’re available to attend.
Many of our counsellors are in the final years of a 5-year training in psychotherapy,
they volunteer their time as part of their training.
If your mental health history seems very complex, we will most likely consider it in your best interest to seek counselling with a qualified and experienced therapist and will suggest services that provide such support.
In one form or another, we’ve been helping people in Central and Greater
London make life choices, reflect on their lives, and get through difficult times,
for over 40 years.
What counselling can do for you
The counselling we provide can help clarify your thoughts and feelings so that
you can make informed choices about your life. Its aim is to provide an
opportunity to explore your values, weaknesses and strengths and so enable
you to find your own solutions. In the words of one client, the counselling is
“life-changing.”
Counselling can help you to:
- Approach your problems from a new perspective
- Have extra support during a life crisis
- Work towards gaining power over an addiction
- Deal with depression
- Transition towards a new career
- Transform rage into assertiveness and self-confidence
- Reduce anxiety and/or stress levels
- Feel less isolated and helpless
- Gain clarity in making life choices
- Consider your inner and outer lives
- Restore balance to your life
- Live more consciously and with a sense of purpose.
At your first appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to have an initial
assessment so that you and your counsellor can decide whether counselling
feels right for you. If it does, you we will be offered an initial runof six sessions.
This can sometimes be extended further.
HELP Counselling is unusual in that it offers low-cost, one-to-one counselling
after a relatively short waiting period.
We serve Central and Greater London. Most of our clients are referred by GP’s
while others are recommended to the service by friends or relatives,
others self-refer.
Many of our counsellors are in the final years of a 5-year training in psychotherapy,
they volunteer their time as part of their training.
If your mental health history seems very complex, we will most likely consider it in your best interest to seek counselling with a qualified and experienced therapist and will suggest services that provide such support.
Who are HELP clients?
HELP has 150 clients per week.
• 75% are from the Kensington & Chelsea borough
• 25% are from other London boroughs
• 60% are referred via their healthcare provider
• 40% self refer
• 45% are from the black, minority and ethnic communities
• 47% are unemployed
• 35% are male
• 34% are 18 – 29 years of age
• 39% are 30 – 39 years of age
• 27% are 40 – 80 years of age
• 57% have an income of less than £10,000 per year
• 37% pay between 1p to £5 per session
• 20% pay between £5 – £10
Would you like to be a HELP client?
Please ring us on 020 7221 9974 to register.
Be prepared for change in your life.
