Why a gift in your Will to Winchester Youth Counselling could make all the difference to a local young person.

Winchester Youth Counselling (WYC) has provided free, flexible counselling and mental health to 11–25-year-olds in the Winchester area for almost 25 years. Our expert youth counsellors work both in the traditional indoor counselling setting and at schools, as well as engaging with the natural world in Walk and Talk sessions and Nature Therapy Groups. Our informal drop-in sessions and parent support groups across the district help to connect individuals to others with similar experiences, and with the professional support that they need. 

Erin, Development Manager with

Charlotte, Youth Outreach Worker

It is now estimated that 1 in 5 young people have a probable mental health disorder, and more young people and their families than ever need urgent support now, before they reach crisis point.

“I no longer have negative thoughts about suicide or harming myself. Counselling has made a huge difference to me. I finally feel confident in myself and as though I can accept and overcome the things in my head.”

We are proudly youth-led, with an active Youth Board using their lived experiences to shape our strategy and values. During the last year, we offered almost 2,750 sessions of counselling and are on course to offer over 3,300 more in the year ahead. With ever increasing waiting times for statutory services, we need your help to ensure we are here for young people in Winchester and ensure better outcomes for their lives and their futures. We need your help to allow us to continue to meet the needs of the local community and maintain our excellent outcomes for Winchester's youth. 

“From age 14/15 I had difficulties with anorexia and major depressive disorder. I also had mild anxiety and many of my relationships were broken so I was quite isolated. I lost my dad and felt I needed to really grieve and come to terms with what had happened. The support was phenomenal and truly life changing in terms of the lessons which I learned. It has now been three years since finishing counselling, but I still refer to the lessons and the advice which my counsellor gave to me to this day.”

A gift left in your Will would make a significant impact on the young people in our community along with their families.

A gift of:

·       £350 could support 10 young people for one Nature Therapy session

·       £720 could give a young person 12 counselling sessions

·       £4,200 could keep one of our parent support group open for one year

Whatever the size, your gift would make a lasting difference, helping young people get the right support, at the right time, when they need it most.

As part of Legacy Action week, Winchester Youth Counselling will be hosting a “Walk and Talk with WYC” session at Winnall Moors Nature Reserve on Tuesday 21 April 2026, from 9.30am to 10.30am. Please visit www.winchyc.org for more details.

Find out more about Winchester Youth Counselling here