This month we are highlighting the work of the BCCS, whose amazing work ensures that young people and their families across the diocese are able to get mental health and financial support when they are in need.

Below is a list of some of the services that the BCCS offer, along with some of the statistics, showing how crucial their work is to supporting young people in our diocese.

Child & Family Counselling Service

Based at their dedicated centre in Billericay, the Child & Family Counselling Service team at the BCCS provide holistic support through 1:1, parental and dyadic therapy – including resources to support specialist play, art and music therapy.

The CFCS team has a 6-stage therapy journey:

  1. Enquiry & Consultation
  2. Availability
  3. Therapy
  4. Initial assessment
  5. Ongoing review
  6. Ending

In 2025 alone, the CFCS team had 94 new referrals, totalling 157 clients through 1617 counselling sessions.

1:1 Mental Health Support in schools

1:1 counselling in schools plays a vital role in supporting students’ emotional and academic development. Personalised mental health support not only helps students navigate their challenges but also creates a healthier and more positive school environment. The BCCS has dedicated workers that are able to commit themselves to providing weekly sessions in schools to help young people who in need of mental health support.

In 2025, the BCCS had 742 active cases (young people receiving 1:1 help) across 90 schools, through 17,000 of these sessions sessions.

Training & Consultation

Since supporting young people in their mental and academic development is crucial the BCCS also offer training and consultation for schools and parents. They also offer staff therapy sessions for school staff to ensure that their mental health is looked after as well.

Last year, the BCCS ran 24 training workshops for parents and carers and 30 workshops for young people themselves. They held 70 consultation sessions for concerned parents and carers, as well as 50 staff therapy sessions across 6 school. On top of that, across 16 schools they offered 150 staff supervision sessions, with 480 members of staff attending workshops or training as well.

Family Support Fund

From providing much needed respite breaks and holidays, or funding school trips or uniforms, to offering practical help and support – BCCS firmly believe that every child and family deserves kindness, understanding and assistance, especially during challenging times.

In 2025, BCCS’ Family Support Fund awarded £26,400 which made a positive difference for 370 families.

 

We would like to thank the BCCS for their tireless support for young people and their families over the years. For more information about their hugely important work, visit their website: https://www.bccs.org.uk/