£50,000 new hub hopes to ease long waiting times for young people and children needing mental health support

A £50,000 new hub has opened in Blackpool with the aim of helping young people who are grappling with mental health issues.

Counselling in the Community has used fundraising, grants and donations to create the hub on Guildford Avenue, Bispham, which will provide a haven of support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions. 

Chris Webb, chair of trustees, said: "It is a monumental moment for us. The establishment of this new centre embodies our core mission - to provide accessible and effective mental health support to those in need across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast." 

Mr Webb, who is also Labour's parliamentary candidate in Blackpool South, added: "It's truly heartbreaking that our children and young people, who are in dire need of mental health support, are faced with an 18-month waiting list in Blackpool. 

"This is a crisis that needs immediate attention and why as a charity, we’ve stepped up and are committed to making a difference. This new centre is a testament to that commitment and a step in that direction, providing immediate, accessible support for our children and young people.” 

The centre, a first-of-its-kind in the area, is designed to cater exclusively to the mental health needs of children and young people along with a state-of-the-art sensory room. 

Stuart Hutton-Brown, chief executive of Counselling in the Community, said: "To offer a unique facility such as this, helping the young people of the community we serve is both a privilege and amazing.” 

Conservative councillor Julie Sloman, whose ward includes the hub, said: "I'm delighted the expansion of this wonderful, impressive and much-needed service now has a foothold in Norbreck, at the north end of the town. This means there will be easier access for children and families from across the wider Blackpool family." 

The new centre will be staffed by a team of qualified and dedicated mental health professionals, and will open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. For more information about the new Children and Young Persons Mental Health Hub or to learn about Counselling in the Community's other initiatives, please visit www.CITC.team.