Strengthening Wellbeing Through Conversation in Blaenau Gwent

At Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI), our Community Counselling Project is making a real difference. Free one-to-one counselling has helped participants build confidence, improve self-esteem, and manage stress, depression, and anxiety – all from a calm, welcoming space at the heart of the community.

Over the past few years, volunteer placements, training sessions, and community activities at EVI have highlighted a growing need for accessible talking therapies. Many local people told us they wanted support to manage their mental health, build confidence, and develop personal skills. In fact, 90% of people involved in our mentoring process said these were their biggest barriers to getting into work or training.

In response, we launched the EVI Community Counselling Project, which has now delivered over 110 hours of free counselling. It provides up to 12 sessions per participant and has saved the community an estimated £8,160 in therapy costs.

The project was made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

A Collaborative and Ethical Approach

The project brings together trainee counsellors on professional placements and qualified volunteer counsellors from the USW Therapeutic Studies Placement Team and Abergavenny Counselling to provide safe, effective support. All counsellors work under professional supervision and follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical framework.

This collaborative approach has enabled measurable, positive outcomes for individuals and the wider community.

The Impact

Participants have reported significant improvements, including a 135% increase in self-esteem and a 121% boost in confidence. Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress have decreased by 64% and 57%, respectively.

The project has also seen more men accessing support. This is a positive step in breaking down barriers around mental health.

What sets this project apart is its location at the heart of the community at EVI, surrounded by a wealth of other support and services in the building (Blaenau Gwent Youth Service, Communities for Work, Llamau, Barod Gwent n Gage, EVI Pantry, EVI Community Cafe, to name a few). This setting helps participants feel supported, connected, and able to grow.

Creating Space for Support

As part of the project, the former recording studio at EVI was transformed into a calm, welcoming space for counselling, mindfulness, and wellness activities. This new environment was designed to support participants’ mental and emotional health.

Participant Voices

“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 reflect on issues I have struggled with for many years.”
— 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. Lynette challenged some of my thoughts and feelings, 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 better prepared to cope with anxiety and depression and am optimistic for the future.”
— Community Counselling Project Participant

We Can Help You Do the Same

We offer consultancy and support for organisations looking to design and deliver mental health and wellbeing services that really make an impact.

Whether you’re running community projects, research, or support programmes, we can help you:

• Co-design accessible, people-centred services
• Gather insight to improve outcomes for your community
• Connect participants with wider support networks

Let’s talk. We’d love to help you strengthen wellbeing and create real, lasting impact – just like we’ve done with Mind Our Future Gwent and the EVI Community Counselling Project.