Milestone moment for vital counselling team
Crisis service set up by NHS worker marks 25th birthday
A vital counselling service has been praised for helping people in their time of need as it marks its 25th year.
For a quarter of a century, Crisis Counselling, in Erskine, has provided support to families, veterans and children at their darkest hour.
The social enterprise, founded by Jean Cumming in 1996, works with local authorities and organisations to provide counselling for people suffering mental health problems.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson, hailed the service’s work.
He said: “I’ve known Crisis and, in particular, Jean Cumming for a long time and it’s down to sheer dedication and determination over that period that Crisis continues to offer and provide a muchneeded service to families and individuals.
“Twenty-five years is a milestone in its journey and development.
“I’m sure Crisis will continue to be there to offer support and advice to those who suffer trauma through loss and bereavement.”
Jean recognised from her work in the NHS that there was a need for more early intervention, leading to the foundation of Crisis.
The organisation has become a placement provider for students from six universities and counselling training organisations.
Crisis was awarded the Queen’sAward for Voluntary Service for its work with veterans and children.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, who represents the Erskine and Inchinnan ward, said: “We want to express our thanks and support to Crisis Counselling for its 25th year in providing a service which often goes unnoticed, but is a vital source of support to a wide range of individuals suffering from trauma.
“During lockdown, Crisis has supported over 2,000 clients and, in total, since opening, almost 48,000 people have benefited from its services and, in particular, dealing with the impact of covid.”
A spokeswoman for Crisis said: “We would like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who has helped us achieve this through their commitment to the integrity and ethics of the service we provide, and to keep working successfully through the pandemic.
“We have been able to support 2,200 clients over the past year, face to face on Zoom, and we continue to take referrals and support as many people as possible.”
For more information about Crisis Counselling, visit www.crisiscounselling. co.uk
Twenty-five years is a milestone in Crisis Counselling’s journey and development