By Jessica Skelton
Free counselling sessions are being offered to those who suffer from substance abuse.
Local grant-giving organisation, Talbot Village Trust have supported Poole based charity, EDAS (Essential Drug and Alcohol Service) to offer out free counselling sessions. This is mainly targeted at those who are unemployed and with a lower income. This means people can still have access to help from psychologists and trained professionals, no matter their monetary situation.
With the £10,000 grant that EDAS were given by Talbot Village Trust, they have already completed 280 free counselling sessions. These sessions have been given to over 35 participants so far.
Alternative counselling sessions
One to one sessions are provided to give the individuals a sense of confidentiality. However, there are multiple options available to help. For example;
- You can receive in person or over the phone sessions
- access to support groups
- mindfulness and meditation sessions
- career and social guidance
- relapse prevention
- mental and physical health training
CEO of EDAS, Mindy Bartlett, said
“EDAS was set up to enable adults struggling with substance abuse across the country to access essential support and guidance, providing them with a better future. We simply cannot do this work without generous funding from organisations like Talbot Village Trust. The £10,000 donation will go toward providing vital counselling for hundreds of adults across Dorset free of charge and setting them on the path to forging better lives for themselves and those around them.”
A beneficiary of the sessions stated that they feel “supported” and “driven” after receiving the professional help.
Talbot Village Trust
In 1850, two Victorian sisters were determined to transform the lives of those struggling in Bournemouth and Poole. Now, more than 170 years later, Talbot Village Trust has risen from this and become an established grant-giving charity. As a group they are inspired and motivated to help as their determined founders did so many years ago.
Every year, the trust give more than one million pounds to local charities to help them grow and support the area.
Chairman of the trust, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper said:
“By accessing free support at the right time, these vital services can reduce harm and illness, lessen the impact on the health service, and provide life-changing outcomes for service users. Sadly, recent UK health figures demonstrate yearly increases in alcohol and drug-related deaths. Alcohol and substance misuse is an issue that we urgently need to tackle to help people across our communities.”
If you’re a charity and you’re interested in receiving a grant or funding, visit this page for more information.
If you would like to find out more, access the EDAS page here. And if you would like to get in contact email hello@edasuk.org