A Local Legacy of Support
Winchester Youth Counselling has offered free, confidential mental health support to young people aged 11–25 across the district since 2002. From professional counselling to nature-based approaches, the organisation helps young people navigate life’s challenges.
Under the leadership of CEO Dr Hannah Reidy, Winchester Youth Counselling continues to grow. The organisation has a skilled team of BACP-registered counsellors and dedicated support staff who share the same mission: to offer every young person in Winchester a safe space to talk, be heard and feel supported.
Building a Legacy of Support
Winchester Youth Counselling was founded in 2002 by experienced counsellor Jill Guppy, who recognised the urgent need for dedicated mental health services for young people in Winchester. What began as a small local initiative has grown into an award-winning charity supporting hundreds of young people every year. Jill continues to be an integral part of the team as Clinical Advisor (Outdoor Therapies), helping to shape and guide the organisation’s nature-based work and therapeutic approaches.
In the early days, services were limited and waiting lists were long, as demand for youth counselling quickly outpaced available resources. Driven by a commitment to accessible support, the team worked tirelessly to increase provision and reduce barriers to mental health care.For more than two decades, WYC has been a beacon of hope for young people navigating the complexities of mental health and wellbeing.Over the years the charity has expanded and evolved. Today it offers a range of tailored services including one-to-one counselling, Walk and Talk therapy, Nature Therapy and a weekly Wellbeing Walk-In service. A growing Resource Hub is also available for parents, carers and young people seeking self-help tools and information.
Winchester Youth Counselling is proud of its long-standing commitment to providing free counselling, which has supported more than 3,000 children and young people across the Winchester District.The charity also offers support groups and programmes for parents and carers, recognising that those supporting young people also need guidance and support.
Our Achievements
2024 has been a year of growth and impact at Winchester Youth Counselling.
We have expanded our services, providing vital mental health support through one-to-one counselling, Wellbeing Walk-ins, Walk & Talk therapy, Parent/Carer Support Groups and Nature Therapy. Our Resource Hub has been introduced, ensuring young people, parents, and carers have access to the support they need.
We are proud of the difference we continue to make for 11-25 year olds in our community.
Our Impact
Building a Legacy of Support
WYC has been supporting children and young people in the Winchester District for nearly 25 years. Click below to see our latest Impact Reports
Nature as the Co-Therapist
Recognising the restorative power of nature, WYC has pioneered an innovative outdoor therapies programme. Trained counsellors use the outdoors as a backdrop for therapeutic support, and involve nature as the co-therapist to allow young people to make sense of life changes and transitions in the context of the wider, outdoor world. Our patron Chris Packham helps us to stay close to these roots, and the outdoor world is threaded throughout our strategy and planning.
Strengthening our Support
Ensuring we are funded from diverse income sources are essential for financial stability, and it is more of a challenge than ever to raise funds. One of our key priorities for 2025/26, is to ensure steady sustainable income, and donations from our wonderful community supporters is a crucial part of this. Successful fundraising allows us to grow and work towards long-term goals, ensuring a future where every young person in Winchester has access to the mental health support they need.
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Amplifying Young Voices
Winchester Youth Counselling understands that the best solutions come from lived experiences. That’s why we established the Youth Advisory Board in September 2022. This diverse group of young people, many of whom have grappled with mental health challenges themselves, provide invaluable insights that shape every aspect of WYC’s work. From programme development to service delivery, their perspectives ensure that WYC remains relevant and impactful, especially for under-represented groups.
