The idea
Aspire’s Witney Hub is a safe space for young people to connect, learn, and thrive.
We work with young people (aged 16-24) who face challenges like long-term unemployment, homelessness, substance misuse, and poor mental health. We help young people to overcome these barriers and progress towards a better life.
Our youth service provides: safe housing; English and Maths tuition, tailored coaching towards work and education; and a range of wellbeing activities.
In 2025, we brought on a volunteer trainee counsellor at the Witney Hub. Non-judgemental and supportive, the trainee counsellor helps young people navigate anxiety, depression, and the difficult circumstances they face. The counsellor helps young people to build resilience and confidence, allowing them to feel happier and more hopeful. This in turn helps them take full advantage of Aspire’s employment, training, and education (ETE) offer.
We're seeking to fund the counsellor for 12 months, working 2 days a week.
What we'll deliver
- 40 hrs of counselling delivered per month
- 50% of Youth Hub users to access at least one session of Counselling
- 90% of counselled young people to report improvement in mental health
- 90% to report better understanding of their emotions
- 75% to also access ETE support
Why it's a great idea
Counselling will help young people in need to build wellbeing and confidence, in turn allowing them to progress towards a brighter future.
Here’s what young people say about the benefits of Aspire counselling:
"It's been helpful to just let it out. I've been able to talk about things I never do with anyone else. I've figured out things I really want to do. I just need to get on and do it now." LB
"Counselling has helped me explore and understand difficult emotions, particularly in difficult family relationships. I have discussed some things I have not been able to before. I have left feeling supported and understood." LC
"Counselling has helped me gain more confidence and allowed me to be open and honest. I have found ways to put myself and my needs first and not be a people pleaser. I feel like I have more tools to help me achieve the things I want and to gain more positive outcomes and not to be afraid to ask for help or see going to counselling as a negative." BB
Steps to get it done
- Counsellor transitions to paid role at Aspire
- First set of young people supported
- Aspire internal review and feedback sessions
- First year of delivery complete
