In a time when mental health challenges are affecting more people than ever, we are proud to share some wonderful news from Aura.
At the beginning of January 2025, Aura was supporting 21 clients per week with free 1-to-1 counselling sessions. By the end of 2025, that number had grown to 48 clients per week.
That’s more than double the number of people receiving vital, compassionate support during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Why This Growth Matters
Every single number represents a person.
- A person navigating grief.
- A person adjusting to relationship breakdown.
- A person facing redundancy, illness, identity changes, trauma, or major life transitions.
When life changes suddenly or painfully, it can feel overwhelming. Many people struggle in silence, unsure where to turn or worried about the cost of private therapy. Free, accessible counselling removes a significant barrier to getting help.
By increasing from 21 to 48 clients per week, Aura has:
- Reduced waiting times for support
- Helped more people at the point they need it most
- Made professional mental health care accessible regardless of income
- Created more opportunities for early intervention before difficulties escalate
This growth isn’t just a statistic. It represents resilience, courage, and community care in action.
Why People Need Support
Life transitions can deeply affect mental health. Even positive changes (such as a new job, becoming a parent, or moving home) can bring stress and uncertainty. More challenging experiences (such as bereavement, separation, illness, or financial hardship) can leave people feeling isolated, anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.
Counselling provides:
- A safe, confidential space to talk
- Professional guidance to process emotions
- Tools to manage stress and anxiety
- Support in rebuilding confidence and stability
- A sense of being heard and understood
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it is an act of strength. It takes courage to reach out.
It’s incredibly encouraging to see more people putting their mental health first and accessing support when they need it.
The Power of Our Volunteers
This expansion would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteer and student counsellors.
We’re excited to welcome new volunteer and student counsellors to Aura, and we are incredibly grateful to every volunteer who gives their time, skill, and compassion to support our clients. Their commitment ensures we can continue to offer free 1-to-1 counselling sessions to people affected by life changes that negatively impact their mental health.
Their generosity has allowed us to double our reach – and double the difference we can make.
Looking Ahead
Moving from 21 to 48 clients per week in just one year shows what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared mission: to make mental health support accessible to all.
We remain committed to growing sustainably, maintaining high-quality support, and ensuring that anyone experiencing difficult life changes knows they are not alone. We support people from our base in Congleton – at our head quarters, as well as via video call or phone.
If you’d like to learn more about the dedicated professionals supporting our clients, you can View Profiles of our volunteer counsellors and see the incredible people behind this work.
Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities — one conversation at a time.
