Welcome!

We are sorry that, because of increased demand, we have had to take the decision to close our waiting list as our waiting time for counselling is now several months to a year.

This means that we are not currently accepting new referrals. Anyone already on the list will be seen as soon as a suitable counsellor is available, as normal.

We will update this page with news as soon as we are able to take on new clients again.

North Lancashire Counselling Service recently celebrated 30 years of service. We have been offering a free and reduced-cost counselling service, entirely led by volunteers, since we were founded in 1991 by the Rev. Arthur Longworth. Today we are a secular, person-centred organisation, whilst still embracing our founders core values of empathy, respect and reaching out to those who need support.

This last year has felt particularly challenging for many of us and continues to do so – we have adapted our service to incorporate an offer of counselling via video-link, as well as our usual face-to-face service (where Government guidelines allow). We consider the safety and wellbeing of our clients and volunteers as paramount and are doing everything we can to work effectively and within appropriate safety measures.

Although we now offer a counselling service via different means, we are still a small charity with the capacity to serve our local community. As a result,

We can only provide a service to those who live within a 30 minute driving time of Lancaster city centre – have a look at our mini-map below to ensure we cover your area. 

We appreciate it is not only recent global events that may make you feel anxious, depressed or wishing for a space to retreat to. Our day-to-day lives continue through the restrictions of a pandemic and there are many factors that affect the way we think and feel. By providing time to talk we aim to be here for you, facilitating improved wellbeing and working towards alleviating some of those symptoms by offering a non-judgemental, respectful, and empathic space in which to explore them further.

All NLCS volunteer counsellors are registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or a similar regulated body, as either qualified professionals or experienced trainees. Our service is offered for free, but as with all not-for-profit charities we have essential costs so ask for a donation where possible. Part of our ethos is to offer longer term counselling for those that need it, valuing the time it may take for some individuals to explore their experiences.

We ask all clients to self-refer either via our telephone service or our on-line referral form. A member of our team will then get in touch with you by telephone to take some further details. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

 
 
2021 was the 30th birthday of NLCS!

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers from the last 30 years, who have dedicated their time to keep our service going, supporting our local community.

As a small charity, it is important for us to keep fundraising; if you can donate £30 or any amount to help us with the next 30 years of service we would really appreciate it. Thank you.

“My experience with the service has been entirely positive. It has helped me to realise and express some of the issues exacerbating my mental health problems, and has helped me better my life.”
“I feel I have been given excellent service since I first made contact. Making that initial telephone call was very difficult for me as it made me realise I was really in need of therapy.”
“It has given me the help and support I have long craved for and needed. What I experienced will stay with me through my whole life”.

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