Our EVI Community Counselling Project has delivered fantastic results, offering free one-to-one counselling and making a real difference to those who have taken part. Made possible by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*, the funding has also helped us renovate a new wellbeing space, promoting health and wellbeing in the community. Read on to learn more about the positive impact this project has had!  

Through the volunteer and work experience placements, training, and other community activities we’ve run at EVI over the past few years, we saw a real need for talking therapies to support people with their mental health, build confidence, and develop other personal skills. This led to the start of the EVI Community Counselling Project, which has since provided 104 hours of free counselling sessions — saving the community around £7,800. We’re also really encouraged to see more men reaching out for support. Of the 36 self-referrals, 8 have been men — a positive step in breaking down barriers around mental health.  

The sessions have also helped people in other ways, with participants reporting a 135% improvement in self-esteem and a 121% increase in confidence. Another amazing result has been the drop in feelings of Depression, and Anxiety and Stress- decreasing by 64% and 57% respectively.

What makes our counselling project truly unique is that it’s at the heart of the community, surrounded by a wealth of support, services, and opportunities. It’s a place where everyone can access talking therapies, holistic support, and wellbeing activities – and thrive. 

As part of the project, we’ve also renovated the former recording studio that was no longer being used, removing the old setup to create a calm and welcoming space perfect for counselling, mindfulness, and other wellness activities at our centre. 

To see more of the incredible outcomes of our Community Counselling Project, check out the infographic below! 

Participant Testimonials

“I found these sessions very helpful, especially the extra ones that helped me open up. Lynette has been professional, easy to talk to, and always created a space for me to talk and reflect on issues i have struggled with for many years. I now feel better equipped to move forward and to support myself, or seek support when needed.” – Community Counselling Project Participant 

“For the first time, I was able to discuss past issues, which, though difficult, helped me process and come to terms with my emotions. Also Lynette has challenged me on some of my thoughts and feeling which proved very helpful.” – Community Counselling Project Participant 

“This support helped me to gain an understanding of issues that have bothered me since childhood. I feel as though I am better prepared to cope with my issues with anxiety/ depression etc and I am optimistic for the future.” – Community Counselling Project Participant 

ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

This project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.*

*The UK Shared Prosperity fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.