WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS OF CT'S FUTURE FUNDRAISING EVENTS

 

PREVIOUS EVENTS
 

Counselling Together celebrates its 20th anniversary


In order to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Counselling Together held a cream tea at St Saviour’s Church in Brockenhurst on 23rd September 2025. Around 30 people attended including current and former trustees, counsellors, staff and supporters.

Chris Bray, the man who started it all back in 2005 gave a speech outlining his calling to provide a counselling support service in the New Forest backed by the churches in the area. From his original idea back in the 1990’s it took a while for his vision to be turned into reality but with the help of some wonderful people and support from a number of churches, Churches Counselling Together (New Forest) started operating in 2005.

After enjoying scones with jam and cream and cups of tea, Peter Parslow, the Chair of the charity gave an update on the charity’s current operations. It has been known as Counselling Together since 2011 and it currently has seven qualified or counsellors in training providing counselling for adults at mainly church locations in Bransgore, Poulner, Iford, Lymington, Romsey and Hythe.

All clients are required to contribute to the cost of their counselling as it helps to ensure that they commit to the process. Some clients are unable to afford the full cost of counselling so we operate a Bursary Fund to top-up the difference between what they can afford and the full cost of each session.

Peter stressed that Counselling Together prides itself on being a confidential, professional, local and affordable option for adults and couples looking for counselling in the New Forest, Christchurch and surrounding areas.

Everyone left with a cupcake topped with the Counselling Together logo.

The event was funded by donations with thanks to all those who made contributions including local estate agents, Hayward Fox.
anniversary

The Rambling Men at Ray’s Italian Kitchen

Saturday 28th June saw the Rambling Men, a local four piece band, entertain the audience at Counselling Together’s latest fundraising event held at Ray’s Italian Kitchen in Milford on Sea. It was a leisurely afternoon spent nibbling the food of small plates and cicchetti boards (Italian tapas) whilst listening to the Rambling Men sing a variety of blues, country and folk music.

A donation to Counselling Together was included in the ticket price and a raffle was held to raise funds for the charity’s Bursary Fund. In total the amount raised on the day amounted to £284. Our thanks to all those who attended.

Following the success of our Spanish/Portuguese Tapas meal in June, Counselling Together arranged a 3 course Italian themed Tapas evening (see menu below) at Ray’s Italian Kitchen in Milford on Sea on Wednesday 30th October.

The evening raised £225 for CT's general fund and £270 for its bursary fund which ensures that people are not denied counselling through their financial circumstances.

On Saturday 9th March 2024, Counselling Together organised a cream tea at All Saints’ Church Hall in Milford on Sea. Over 40 people attended and enjoyed scones with strawberry jam and cream along with a cup of tea.

Those attending saw Counselling Together’s short video explaining what it does in providing counselling services for adults and couples in the New Forest, Christchurch and surrounding areas. People were able to find out more by talking to some of Counselling Together’s trustees and counsellors and also take away with them a copy of a leaflet giving more details about the charity’s work.

The event raised over £300 for Counselling Together’s funds and our thanks go to all those who organised, attended and supported the event in any way. In the church hall we were able to display the roller banner and foam boards advertising Counselling Together’s services which have been purchased thanks to a generous donation by J.P. Morgan.

A very successful raffle was held on 11th June at Ray's and the prizes included a sculpture by local artist, Michael Turner (seen here); vouchers to attend a wine tasting evening from Solent Cellar; a voucher to spend at Ray’s Italian Kitchen; a hamper; and an afternoon tea at Lime Wood Hotel in Lyndhurst.

Overall, the evening raised over £450 for CT and our thanks go to all those who attended and to Stacey and her team who put on a wonderful evening which was enjoyed by all. We cannot wait for the next one, so watch this space.

BOARD GAMES FOR ALL AGES!

Old favourite games and new ones

Sunday 1st September from 2pm until 6pm
at New Life Centre, Gore Road, New Milton
Refreshments available

On Saturday 25th November 2023, Counselling Together hosted a concert given by "Bourne2Sing", a male voice choir based in and around Bournemouth.

A range of popular songs from across the decades were performed along with a few seasonal Christmas carols and were enjoyed by all those who attended.

The concert was held at Twynham Church in Christchurch and the event which included a raffle raised £250.00 for Counselling Together's funds.