Mental health charity announces changes amidst “funding challenges”

A local mental health charity has announced that it has been forced to make redundancies and service changes to secure its long-term future.

Rekindle supports people aged 16-25 years to improve their mental health and wellbeing. It provides a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for clients to meet one-to-one with a team of support workers and counsellors.

It also offers the opportunity to meet others through workshops and group activities in their Newtown and Welshpool hubs.

But against an “exceptionally challenging funding and fundraising environment for charities”, Rekindle said it has made the difficult decision to review its capacity and future provision to help safeguard the future of the organisation in the long term and the support it provides to young people.

The charity has announced changes to some of its services, including a pause in new counselling referrals in Newtown, some vacant roles not being replaced, and a small number of staff redundancies.

Rekindle said it remains deeply committed to the young people who access its services and will protect the continuity of care and minimise disruption for those currently receiving support.

In their statement, the charity said: “Following careful consideration and a thorough review of its financial position, Rekindle’s Board of Trustees and leadership team concluded that changes were needed to ensure the charity remains sustainable and able to continue supporting young people in the years ahead.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and reflects the difficult reality facing many charities across Wales and the UK.”

It added that current counselling clients already on the Newtown counselling waiting list are unaffected and will continue to receive the support they have been offered.

While Rekindle is pausing new counselling referrals in Newtown, they will continue to accept referrals for:

·      One-to-one wellbeing support and art psychotherapy in Newtown

·      Groups, activities and drop-in services in Newtown

·      Counselling, wellbeing support, drop-in and group activities in Welshpool until March 2027

·      General referrals to Rekindle remain open. Where appropriate, young people will be offered an initial assessment and supported to access the Rekindle service, or external support, best suited to their needs. However, referrers are requested not to make referrals for counselling at this time.

·      Rekindle will continue working closely with partners, commissioners and stakeholders throughout this period and will keep partners informed as plans develop.

Claire Brooks, Chair of Trustees at Rekindle, 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.”

Lizzie Cockle, Service Delivery Manager of Rekindle, added: “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. We are focused on supporting our staff and clients through this process.”

For further enquiries please contact Chair@rekindle.org.uk.