Willows Counselling‘s co-CEOs Denise Brent and Amanda Cook, alongside their team, are gearing up to tackle a 25km segment of the Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge on Saturday, 22nd June.
The challenging route, beginning at Cirencester basecamp, promises steep ascents and descents that lead into the picturesque Cotswold landscape, with the finish line set in Painswick.
These enthusiastic, albeit novice, walkers are embarking on this strenuous journey with a singular goal: to raise £5000, enough to fund 200 counselling sessions for those in need within the local community.
With each £25 donation covering the cost of one session, their efforts are poised to make a significant impact on those who might otherwise be unable to afford essential therapeutic support.
Willows Counselling has been a cornerstone of mental health support in Swindon, Wiltshire, and the broader West of England for over 30 years. Offering affordable, subsidised counselling services, the organisation addresses the increasing demand for mental health support, with a particular focus on trauma and abuse counselling.
Every week, Willows delivers approximately 60 counselling sessions, 85% of which are subsidised to ensure accessibility for all, regardless of financial constraints. Additionally, Willows is highly regarded for its comprehensive counselling training programmes, spanning from entry-level courses to postgraduate qualifications.
Denise Brent, Co-CEO of Willows, shared her motivation: “We are passionate about the work we do at Willows and wanted to take on a challenge that would enable us to raise funds to support people in our community, whilst also investing in our own physical and mental health.
“The training walks have been more challenging than we anticipated, especially the hill walks, but seeing the donations come in and realising how many people we will be able to support as a result keeps us motivated and determined to make it to the finish line. I know firsthand through personal and professional experiences just how transformative counselling can be, by helping us connect with ourselves and others at times when we feel alone and isolated.”
The Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge will see eight members of the Walk for Willows team participating in the initial 25km leg from Cirencester to Painswick.
Community support is crucial, and donations can be made through their Just Giving event page at Just Giving Walk for Willows. Every £25 raised funds one counselling session, translating each kilometre walked into meaningful support for those in need.
