Our History
A Local Legacy of Support
Winchester Youth Counselling has offered free, confidential mental health support to 11–25 year olds across the district since 2002. From professional counselling to nature-based approaches, we’re here to help young people navigate life’s challenges.
Under the leadership of our CEO, Dr Hannah Reidy, Winchester Youth Counselling continues to grow. We have a skilled team of BACP-registered counsellors and dedicated support staff who share our mission: to offer every young person in Winchester a safe space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.
We are proud of our history
Winchester Youth Counselling was founded in 2002 by experienced counsellor Jill Guppy, who recognised the urgent need for dedicated mental health services for young people in Winchester. What began as a small, local initiative has grown into an award-winning charity supporting hundreds of young people every year. Jill continues to be an integral part of the team as our Clinical Advisor (Outdoor Therapies), helping to shape and guide our nature-based work and therapeutic approaches.
In our early days, services were limited and waiting lists were long, as the demand for youth counselling quickly outpaced available resources. Driven by our commitment to accessible support, our team worked tirelessly to increase provision and reduce barriers to mental health care.
For over two decades, Winchester Youth Counselling has been a beacon of hope for young people navigating the complexities of mental health and wellbeing.
Over these years, we’ve expanded and evolved. Today, we offer a range of tailored services including one-to-one counselling, Walk and Talk therapy, Nature Therapy, and our weekly Wellbeing Walk-in. We also provide a growing Resource Hub for parents, carers, and young people seeking self-help tools and information.
We are very proud of our unwavering commitment to provide free counselling, that has touched the lives of over 3,000 children and young people in the Winchester District.
Additionally, we provide support groups and programmes for parents/carers, we have identified that there is a need to widen the support we offer, to include those that support the young people in the Winchester District.
But WYC’s impact extends far beyond individual or group sessions.
- Building a Legacy of Support:
Imagine a safe space where young people can express their anxieties, fears, and hopes without judgment. This is the reality WYC creates every day. By providing free, open-ended counselling and therapy, we empower young people to find their own path to emotional well-being.
- Nature as the Co-Therapist:
Recognising the restorative power of nature, WYC has pioneered an innovative outdoor therapies programme. Trained counsellors use the outdoors as a backdrop for therapeutic support, and involve nature as the co-therapist to allow young people to make sense of life changes and transitions in the context of the wider, outdoor world.
In 2022 alone, WYC delivered 48 group sessions and over 230 hours of 1:1 walk and talk therapy. Our patron Chris Packham helps us to stay close to these roots, and the outdoor world is threaded throughout our strategy and planning.
In the last financial year (April 2024 – March 2025), WYC delivered 32 Nature Therapy group sessions and offered over 400 hours of 1:1 Walk & Talk therapy.
- Strengthening our Support:
Ensuring we are funded from diverse income sources are essential for financial stability, and it is more of a challenge than ever to raise funds. One of our key priorities for 2025/26, is to ensure steady sustainable income, and donations from our wonderful community supporters is a crucial part of this. Successful fundraising allows us to grow and work towards long-term goals, ensuring a future where every young person in Winchester has access to the mental health support they need.
- Amplifying Young Voices:
Winchester Youth Counselling understands that the best solutions come from lived experiences. That’s why we established the Youth Advisory Board in September 2022. This diverse group of young people, many of whom have grappled with mental health challenges themselves, provide invaluable insights that shape every aspect of WYC’s work. From programme development to service delivery, their perspectives ensure that WYC remains relevant and impactful, especially for under-represented groups.
Winchester Youth Counselling is more than just a service; it’s a community of care, compassion, and empowerment. Our 23-year journey is a testament to the transformative power of support, and their future, fuelled by a diverse range of achievements, promises a brighter tomorrow for young minds in Winchester.
We’re proud to have supported thousands of young people for over two decades, many of whom have gone on to advocate for youth mental health and help reduce stigma in their communities.
As we look ahead, our purpose remains the same – empowering young people with the tools and support they need to thrive.