Business Details
16 Years
experience
Free Counselling Services in Liverpool
Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) is a North West-based charity established in 2010, dedicated to providing free, confidential mental health support for individuals facing gambling-related harms and suicide bereavement. Our team of fully qualified therapists delivers evidence-based interventions, including CBT, trauma-informed care, and peer support, adhering to strict ethical guidelines set by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP). With over a decade of experience, we operate across Merseyside and the wider North West of England, offering face-to-face, telephone, and online counselling with no waiting lists. Our services are underpinned by a commitment to accessibility, professionalism, and client-centred care, ensuring individuals receive tailored support regardless of their background.Recognised for our innovative approaches, including the UK's largest suicide bereavement programme 'Pauls Place' and the RSPH-accredited 'Bet You Can Help' training, we combine clinical expertise with lived experience to address complex mental health challenges. Funded through donations and grants, we maintain transparency and accountability in all operations, prioritising client well-being and long-term recovery through partnerships with NHS, statutory services, and national support networks.
Services
Gambling-Related Harms Support
Pauls Place Bereavement Programme
Bet You Can Help Training
Couples Therapy
Peer Support Groups
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Free counselling for gambling harms and suicide bereavement with no waiting lists
- Fully qualified therapists adhering to BACP ethical guidelines
- Specialist programmes like the UK's largest suicide bereavement service
- Flexible support via telephone, online, and face-to-face sessions
- Accredited training developed with national gambling health experts
Associations and certifications
- Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)
What people say
Fantastic counselling service
Highly recommended
Professional and friendly
Life-changing support
No waiting lists
Services
Gambling-Related Harms Support
We provide free, confidential counselling for individuals affected by gambling-related harms, including partners and family members. Our qualified therapists use evidence-based interventions like CBT and trauma-informed care to address addiction patterns and emotional impacts. Sessions are available face-to-face, via telephone, or online across the North West of England, with no waiting lists and flexible scheduling.
Pauls Place Bereavement Programme
This specialist service offers free one-to-one counselling for those bereaved by suicide across Merseyside. Therapists with expertise in trauma and loss deliver tailored support, complemented by peer group meetings and Trek Therapy walks. The programme includes immediate access, no waiting lists, and aftercare groups to help individuals navigate complex grief and rebuild their lives.
Bet You Can Help Training
An RSPH-accredited training programme educating professionals and communities about gambling-related harms. Delivered by experts, it equips participants with skills to identify risks, provide guidance, and connect individuals with treatment services. The curriculum aligns with public health frameworks and is evaluated by Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO).
Couples Therapy
Specialised therapy addressing relationship strains caused by gambling addiction or bereavement. Our therapists facilitate open communication, rebuild trust, and develop coping strategies for couples affected by these challenges. Sessions focus on strengthening partnerships while addressing individual mental health needs through a collaborative approach.
Peer Support Groups
Weekly face-to-face and monthly evening peer support groups create safe spaces for individuals to share experiences and receive mutual encouragement. These sessions, led by trained facilitators, complement individual therapy by fostering connections among people with similar lived experiences of gambling harms or suicide loss.
People
Darren Melia
Chair of Trustees
Darren Melia leads BCT's strategic vision, ensuring alignment with organisational values and long-term goals. With extensive experience in governance and third-sector leadership, he oversees service expansion and partnership development while maintaining adherence to ethical standards and quality assurance frameworks.
Questions
Can family members access support for gambling-related harms?
Yes, we offer free counselling for affected partners, family members, and friends through self-referral or professional referral.
How many therapy sessions are available for gambling support?
Clients receive up to 8 initial free sessions, with potential for extension based on individual progress and therapist assessment.
Is there a waiting list for counselling services?
No, assessments are scheduled within 2-5 working days, with therapy starting immediately afterward.
What areas does Pauls Place serve?
Pauls Place provides suicide bereavement support to residents across the Merseyside area.
Are peer support groups available?
Yes, weekly face-to-face and monthly evening peer support groups are offered for both gambling harms and suicide bereavement.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Wes Suart
Dec 21, 2021
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The services provided by Beacon Counselling Trust are excellent, and the staff are always very comforting, personable and helpful whatever the nature of your call, they will always assist the best they can. I would highly recommend to anybody.
Scott Mckie
Aug 14, 2020
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So it's bn 1 year since I last placed a bet of any kind. Never imagined I would ever have achieved that when u and your addiction are so intertwined or so it seems. Beacon trust and my counselor Kim played such a huge roll in this and I am truly thankful I asked for support. To be honest with another human being without judgement lifts such a massive weight of you . I recommend any 1 who is struggling to take that chance. Ur addiction does not define you it's just a moment in time and life will get better. Using services like beacon was the turning point for me and I hope that can be the case for
Peter Dickinson
Jul 19, 2020
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Met with Kathy and the team today to present a cheque to help fund more sessions. A brilliant charity encompassing Pauls Place a charity to support for families suffering from loss of someone through suicide.
Js Comms
Dec 31, 2019
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Although my relationship with Beacon Counselling is more of a preofessional nature, its hard not to notice the care and dedication they take in helping their clients. In the short period I have been working with them its evident what a first class service they are offering from a warm and friendly group of staff. Would highly recommend professionally or for anybody needing help!
