A Powys mental health charity has announced a series of service changes, including pausing new counselling referrals in Newtown and making a small number of redundancies, after facing significant financial pressures.
Rekindle, which provides mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 16 to 25 in Newtown and Welshpool, said it had carried out a review of its services in response to a challenging funding environment.
The charity said rising operating costs, increasing demand for support and a reduction in grant funding had created a gap between income and the cost of delivering services.
As a result, Rekindle has paused new counselling referrals in Newtown, will not replace some vacant posts and has made a small number of staff redundancies.
Existing clients will continue to receive support
The charity stressed that protecting existing service users had been central to its decision-making.
Current counselling clients and those already on the Newtown counselling waiting list will continue to receive support.
Rekindle will also continue accepting referrals for one-to-one wellbeing support and art psychotherapy in Newtown, along with groups, activities and drop-in services.
In Welshpool, counselling, wellbeing support, drop-in and group activities will continue until March 2027.
The charity said general referrals remain open, with young people able to access assessments and be signposted to the most appropriate support.
However, referrers are being asked not to make new counselling referrals at the present time.
Trustees working to secure charity's future
In a statement, Rekindle said the changes were designed to help safeguard the organisation's future and ensure it can continue supporting young people across Powys in the long term.
The charity said the decision had been made following "careful consideration and a thorough review" of its financial position by trustees and senior leaders.
Claire Brooks, chair of trustees, said: "For young people ages 16 to 25, navigating the transition into adulthood is more challenging than ever and can lead to pressures on mental well-being.
"Rekindle has been offering emotional and practical mental health and wellbeing support to young people in Newtown since 1997 and the trustees, founders and friends are working with the Rekindle management team to find ways to ensure its future."
Staff praised for dedication
Lizzie Cockle, Rekindle's service delivery manager, said staff had played a crucial role in supporting young people across the area.
"The staff at Rekindle are at the heart of this organisation and their expertise and dedication have helped hundreds of young people in our community," she said.
"We are focused on supporting our staff and clients through this process."
The charity said it would continue working closely with partners, commissioners and stakeholders while plans for its future services are developed.
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