Social Impact Statement

Our Impact in Numbers:

• 378 clients received therapeutic support
• 1,968 counselling sessions were delivered, providing consistent, person-centred care
• 29 learner placement opportunities were created, helping aspiring counsellors gain valuable clinical experience
• 16 learners successfully achieved their professional qualifications, with a further 8 learners currently progressing towards qualification

The Difference we Make:

Our services provide a safe, confidential and compassionate environment where people can explore their experiences, build resilience and improve their mental wellbeing. The impact of this work is reflected in the voices of those we support:

"Made me feel comfortable and relaxed and clearly explained the process."

"...listened and understood, always remembering what I said....very kind."

"...has really helped me to understand my anxiety and changed my way of thinking."

"...very trustworthy and easy to talk to."

"...listened, didn't judge, made me look at things differently."

"...listened and understood...."

"...I felt safe and comfortable."

"It has been an enriching and heart-warming process to observe the positive benefits to the women attending 'Stronger Together'.  It has been touching to witness the therapeutic process as women previously feeling isolated and /or bereaved begin to foster new friendships and learn to share their feelings and emotions with others as they lean into the holding of the group container."              (Amanda, Castle & Coast Therapies counsellor about Stronger Together Women's Group in Bodmin)

"I have really enjoyed facilitating the women’s group and getting to know each of the women individually. It has been lovely to watch the group grow and develop, with trust and connections building naturally over the weeks. I have particularly valued seeing the women support and encourage one another, share their experiences and realise that they are not alone in some of the challenges they face. It has been a privilege to create and hold a safe space where the women have felt comfortable to be open and honest, while also sharing plenty of laughter along the way. I have found the experience both rewarding and enjoyable and have taken a great deal from being part of the group myself."             (Claire, Castle & Coast Therapies counsellor about Stronger Together Women's Group in Bude)

 "The Friday group is excellent. Firstly, we have two complementary counsellors as facilitators; they both have a wealth of experience and are very empathetic to all members of the group. It's client-led, so we are encouraged to ask what we would like to do or discuss. The group varies in size week to week in that sometimes there are three or four people and other times as many as ten, yet everyone is made to feel welcome, to feel safe and confidentiality is emphasised, so that just about everyone talks freely about their issues. We are encouraged to say how our week went and given feedback from other members of the group (as we all know each other fairly well now). New people are welcomed and made to feel part of the conversations very quickly. We have some 'taught' sessions, such as resilience and dealing with anxiety, we also have some 'practical' sessions, such as using layers of coloured salt in jars to create memories. I really look forward to this group on a Friday, even if I've had a reasonably good week. We have all said that we don't know what we would do without this group and our counsellors, it's a 10/10 from me."                                                                                                                                         (Attendee, Stronger Together in Launceston)

Read Jane's case study

This feedback demonstrates the importance of being heard without judgement and the lasting positive changes that effective therapeutic support can bring to people's lives.

Working in Partnership:

Our impact is strengthened through close collaboration with local organisations, ensuring that people can access support when and where they need it. We currently work alongside:

• Health Hub, Launceston
• Neetside Community Centre
• Launceston Medical Centre
• The People Hub
• Methodist Church, Launceston
• The Old Library, Bodmin (IntoBodmin)
• Launceston Family Hub
• Launceston Jobcentre

 These partnerships enable earlier intervention, improve referral pathways, and ensure that individuals experiencing emotional or mental health challenges are connected with appropriate support within their local communities.

Creating Wider Social Value:

The work of Castle & Coast Therapies CIC extends beyond individual counselling sessions. By providing accessible therapeutic services across Bude, Launceston and Bodmin, we contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.

 Our services help individuals manage anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement and life challenges before these difficulties escalate, reducing pressure on primary care and other statutory services. Improved emotional wellbeing enables people to strengthen relationships, remain in employment or education, participate more fully in community life and develop greater confidence and resilience.

 At the same time, our commitment to providing learner placements supports the development of skilled, ethical counsellors who will continue to meet the growing demand for mental health services across Cornwall.

 Every counselling session represents an opportunity for positive change—not only for the individual receiving support, but for their families, workplaces and the wider community. Through compassionate, accessible and professional therapy, Castle & Coast Therapies CIC continues to create lasting social value by improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, strengthening local partnerships and helping communities across Cornwall to thrive.