Portsmouth Counselling Service saved thanks to trust stepping in

The Portsmouth Counselling Service will now operate as part of You Trust rather than Portsmouth City Council after the two parties came to an agreement.

The service had been under threat of closure, but it can now continue with the same volunteers and will offer the same service.

Chief executive of Portsmouth Counselling Service David Miles said: ‘I’m delighted that our work will continue to support vulnerable people across Portsmouth through You Trust.

‘While it might not be called Portsmouth Counselling Service, the public will still get exactly the same level of service.

‘It is fantastic the council and You Trust has been able to work with us to make this happen and I’m particularly pleased they want the same people to deliver it.’

You Trust already has a big presence in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, offering a variety of support services including advice, working with domestic abuse, people with mental health issues and homelessness.

Nicola Youern, chief executive of the trust, said: ‘Portsmouth Counselling Service has a good track record of providing support to the city and we’re looking forward to continuing this.

‘We’re inheriting a wealth of expertise through the people involved and the counselling service will complement the range of work we already do to help people across Portsmouth.’

As well as taking over the service, You Trust gave the council £50,000 from its voluntary sector transition fund.

The money will be used to cover the initial costs of establishing the service.

After the one-off payment, it will become part of the trust’s operations.

Councillor Luke Stubbs, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for health and social care, said: ‘It’s great news that everyone has been able to pull together to ensure Portsmouth Counselling Service’s important work can continue.

‘You Trust is an ideal partner for this with an excellent reputation.

‘Its track record of generating income and securing funding to offer the public vital support within a sustainable business model gives us every confidence that the service is in safe hands.’