Remembering the North Lancashire Counselling Service

For over 30 years North Lancashire Counselling Service (NLCS) has offered free, person-centred counselling to anyone who needed it. Supporting 45 people in 1995 they grew to a high of over 100 people being supported. This year, they were forced to close their doors.

Qualified and trainee counsellors volunteered to deliver the service, but in recent times the number of volunteers has dwindled.

NLCS found that the people being referred were facing increasingly complex challenges in their lives, particularly since the pandemic. This, along with the reduction in the number of volunteer counsellors coming forward, meant that waiting lists have increased and people have had to look elsewhere for support.

In April of this year, the NLCS board of trustees decided to wind down their activities.

“The Trustees, with the agreement of the management committee and our loyal group of volunteers, have taken the difficult decision to close our service,” said a statement from the board.

“This decision has been taken against a backdrop of a dwindling number of volunteers able to offer counselling to our ever increasing waiting list of clients, coupled with difficulties in recruiting student counsellors and trustees able and willing to take the service forward.”

NLCS committed to completing courses of counselling for their then existing client list, but stopped taking referrals and enquiries in April. The service also vacated their premises on Sulyard Street.

“We wish to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and effort over the last 30+ years and, for those who have used our services in the past, we wish you well for the future.”

NLCS has been a very valuable service for our community. Waiting lists for NHS Talking Therapies are lengthy and private counselling can be incredibly costly. NLCS were able to offer extra counselling spaces for people, helping to take the pressure away from the NHS and all by using dedicated and committed volunteers.

The closure of any VCFSE organisation in our area is always hard to hear about and NLCS have been a part of our community for over 30 years. This closure is a huge blow to the district and emphasises the value of volunteers and volunteering across our sector. Volunteers have never been more needed. You can always approach an organisation directly about volunteering, or you can contact our Volunteer Centre to find out how you can get involved.