Cambridgeshire Consultancy in Counselling (CCC) was originally founded in 1978 with a remit to provide counselling for adults who needed it but were unable to afford it, and to train counsellors to professional standards. In 2019 CCC converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
CCC's charitable objectives are "the relief of those suffering from poverty, sickness and distress by providing assistance for such persons in the form of counselling and advancing education by providing training courses to train people to offer such counselling."
CCC
CCC supports people with a wide variety of problems; including anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, critical or chronic illness, disability, trauma, life change and many other challenges. The impact of counselling and talking therapies is now well-understood. Our monitoring of the impact of counselling for our clients shows a very positive experience and outcome for the vast majority.
CCC has a supportive and engaged membership of self-employed counselling specialists who must pass a rigorous recruitment and selection process. Members are the beating heart of the charity; they have the right to elect Trustees and are consulted on strategy, policies and procedures. There are currently 43 active counsellors with membership growing by the day. They all volunteer to work at below the market rate as a personal contribution to the charity’s objects.
A strategy for 2020-2025 has just been finalised and business planning is underway. CCC's vision is a world where all those who could benefit from counselling services have the opportunity to access them, at a time when they need them, whatever their financial means.
An increase in need for counselling comes at a time when our health and social care system is already struggling to meet the needs of those with both short and long-term mental health problems. There is a high demand on charities and community groups to fill service gaps. This is coupled with an increase in the number of organisations providing counselling services, both on a charitable and paid basis, reducing the availability of appropriately qualified counselling professionals.
As the operating environment and the needs and expectations of members and clients change, CCC is committed to play to its strengths and adapt its services to ensure it achieves its vision. It has to be responsive to client and stakeholder expectations in terms of quality, effectiveness and value for money
