Mental health charity appeals for funds after service cuts

Rekindle, which provides mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 16 to 25 in Newtown and Welshpool, is asking members of the public to donate or organise fundraising events to help secure its future.

The appeal comes after the charity revealed it would pause new counselling referrals in Newtown, leave some vacant posts unfilled and make a small number of redundancies following a review of its finances.

Funding pressures force difficult decisions

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.

Despite the changes, Rekindle stressed that protecting support for existing service users had remained its top priority.

Current counselling clients and those already on the Newtown counselling waiting list will continue to receive help, while referrals remain open for one-to-one wellbeing support and art psychotherapy.

Group activities and drop-in services in Newtown are also continuing.

In Welshpool, counselling, wellbeing support, drop-in sessions and group activities are funded until March 2027.

Charity seeks support from the community

Following publication of the announcement, Rekindle has urged supporters to back its fundraising efforts as trustees and senior leaders work to safeguard services for the future.

Lizzie Cockle, the charity's service delivery manager, said Rekindle was seeking urgent help to protect vital support for young people across Mid Wales.

She said donations and community fundraising efforts could make a significant difference.

The charity provides a "safe, confidential and non-judgmental space" where young people can meet one-to-one with support workers and counsellors, or socialise with others through workshops, group activities and a drop-in service.

Earlier this week, Rekindle said trustees, founders and supporters were working alongside the management team to find ways of securing the organisation's long-term future.

Claire Brooks, chair of trustees, previously 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."

How to help

Rekindle is appealing for donations and community fundraising support to help protect its mental health and wellbeing services for young people aged 16 to 25 across Mid Wales.

Anyone wishing to support the charity can donate or set up a fundraiser through its JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/charity/rekindlehome

The charity said public support would help it continue providing essential services to young people across the region while it responds to ongoing financial challenges.