As a counsellor , I’ve always believed that therapy should be accessible to everyone and not just those who can comfortably afford it. But over the past few years, I’ve seen a worrying shift. The cost-of-living crisis has hit hard. Families are making impossible choices between heating, food, and basic needs — and support for mental health is slipping further out of reach.
More and more, I hear from people who desperately want help, who know therapy could make a difference but simply can’t afford it. That’s not right. No one should be left behind because they don’t have the spare cash for support.
That’s why I set up the Access for All Fund; a way to offer fully or partly funded sessions to those who would otherwise go without. It’s there to catch the people who fall through the cracks. And sadly, those cracks are getting wider.
This fund allows me to say yes more often. To create space for those who are in real distress but don’t know how they’ll manage the cost. Whether it’s a parent stretched to their limit, a young person struggling with anxiety, or someone quietly falling apart under the weight of it all; I want to be able to say, “Come in. Let’s talk. We’ll sort the rest.”
The fund is made possible thanks to the generosity of local people and organisations who believe in the power of mental health support. It’s a community-led response to a national problem — and it’s already making a difference.
There’s no long application process. If I have space and the fund can help, I’ll offer support. It’s that simple. This isn’t about ticking boxes or jumping through hoops — it’s about getting help to the people who need it, when they need it.
I know what a big step it is to ask for help. I also know how disheartening it can be to realise that, even when you’re ready, finances might hold you back. That’s why I want people to know: you are not alone. And you are not forgotten.
If you’re struggling and think therapy could help but cost is a barrier please reach out. If I can help through the Access for All Fund, I will. And if you’re in a position to support the fund in any way, it means the world — and makes it possible for me to keep saying yes.
