Why we matter
Youth mental health needs are at an all-time high.
There is a growing youth mental health crisis in the UK. More children and young people are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and other mental health challenges than ever before, and statutory services are simply unable to meet the rising demand.
According to the British Medical Association (2023), the number of children in contact with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has quadrupled since 2016, while the psychiatry workforce has not kept pace.
According to data from NHS England (2023), 1 in 5 children and young people (aged 8-25) had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Also, the British Medical Association (2025), reported that recent findings suggest that the rates of mental illness are growing at a faster rate for children and young people compared to adults.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education (2023) reports that one in five children in England are refusing to attend school, often due to anxiety, unmet needs, or lack of mental health support.
This widening gap between need and available services leaves many young people without timely or adequate care.
How Winchester Youth Counselling Can Help
We provide early intervention, longer-term counselling, and a variety of therapeutic services tailored to the needs of 11–25 year olds across the Winchester district. Whether a young person is facing emotional distress, struggling to attend school, or simply needs a safe space to talk, we are here.
Our team includes professionally qualified and BACP-registered counsellors, youth mental health specialists, and support staff with both clinical experience and lived experience. This ensures our support is not only high-quality and confidential, but also deeply compassionate and impactful.
We cannot meet this growing need alone. With your help, we can reach even more young people, before they reach crisis point.
Support our work and help us make a difference today.
Helps my social skills so much and makes me so much happier
- Young person who attends our Wellbeing Walk-In
I’d recommend WYC to young teens and adults who are looking for support for their mental health and don’t know where to start. The team are so kind and understanding and helped me at a time that I just needed someone to listen, for that I am incredibly grateful.
- Regular Counselling Client
This has been the single most accessible helpful and effective source of support for my young person's mental health difficulties.
- Parent/Carer of a regular counselling client