Cogwheel launches Saturday service to help those with busy working lives access counselling

Cogwheel Counselling has launched a new Saturday service to help those with busy working lives get the support they need.

‘Cogwheel on Saturday’, which began on 20 September, was introduced after requests from professionals.

The charity, which has been working in the community for more than 35 years, continues to provide affordable counselling during the week to those on low incomes who may otherwise struggle to access support.

“We are always listening to our clients and community,” said head of services Isabelle Dolis. “We heard that many professionals wanted greater flexibility around the working week, so we’ve introduced Cogwheel on Saturday.

“This provides a much-needed service, increasing our reach, while at the same time, it helps us protect our charitable service for others, many of whom are on low incomes, and depend on affordable support during the week.

“This feels like a win-win solution to meet different needs for different individuals and respond flexibly to the many combinations of circumstances, psychological challenges and financial situations.”

Cogwheel offers up to 20 sessions and adjusts fees according to household income, with the rest of the cost for each session subsidised, meaning the service is available not only to those who can afford to cover the full cost of their sessions. Treatment plans of up to 12 months are available.

At a time when NHS waiting lists are under great pressure, the charity is helping people access talking therapies before problems reach crisis point.

Cogwheel says one in six working age adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

experiences a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression in any given week.

Referrals to NHS mental health services nationally have risen by nearly 40 per cent since before the pandemic.

Isabelle added: “Every individual is unique and at a unique juncture in their life when they reach out to us. Cogwheel always aims to look beyond diagnosis, so called problem behaviours and issues.

“We welcome the whole person with their struggles and strengths and work collaboratively with clients to understand what role Cogwheel can play to support them.

“Counselling is about creating a safe and validating space to start the work of mapping out where a person is at, where they are coming from and what it is they may need to change and live a life truly worth living in their eyes.”

Cogwheel can help clients through challenges such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, stress, relationship and family problems or the everyday stresses of family and work life.

Find out more about Cogwheel’s counselling services at cogwheel.org.uk.