There is a place in Sudbury where counselling can be available to everyone, whether they can afford to pay for it or not.

The mission statement of the Kernos Centre in Friars Street is simple: to take counselling further ... making counselling available to people in need, when they need, for as long as they need.

Comfortable surroundings put visitors at ease, which can ease the first major step, opening up about themselves and their difficulties.

As they put trust in their counsellor, they, in turn, can talk them through their anxieties.

Chris Boatwright heads a team of five counsellors, committed to providing a listening ear for as long as it takes.

Chris said: "With the NHS only committing itself to eight sessions for a person, we are finding ourselves busier than ever.

"It can take those eight sessions for someone to feel comfortable about opening up, and then they get told it's over.

"We see people for as long as they need us."

The charity has been given grants by bodies including Suffolk County Council Single Gateway Fund and the Community Energy Project and supporters fund-raise, too, because there is no statutory funding.

As well as helping adults come to terms with everything from surviving child abuse to self-harm, and the two are often related, in the last couple of years the Kernos has also reached out to younger people in need.

The centre got a grant from the Local Network Fund, allowing them to work with 40 adolescents straight away, without them having to join the centre's six-month waiting list.

"We are continuing to provide this service without funding because it is so important," said Chris.

Since opening the centre, the counsellors have helped around 400 people and the waiting list is testament to how highly they are thought of.

Counsellors were also recognised in this year's Babergh Community Achievement Awards.

More people are being referred by doctors, social services and community mental health teams, plus those who seek out help themselves.

For people suffering with depression, the Kernos Centre is hosting an eight-week course, starting on March 29. More details are available from the centre on 01787 882883.


It's your turn...

What do look for when shopping in Sudbury? Have you found exceptional service anywhere?

Let us know.

We also want to know what makes you proud of Sudbury. Send us a picture of yourself and a few lines, or call the newsdesk on 01787 375271.

Email your views to mark.crossley@sudburytoday.co.uk or write to Proud of Sudbury, Free Press, Borehamgate, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2EE.

nicki.dixon@sudburytoday.co.uk