Community Counselling Service Canterbury

Community Counselling Service Canterbury

About

Community Counselling Service (CCS) Canterbury is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides affordable, accessible counselling to adults in the local community. Carrol Rouse founded CCS in 2007 and continues to lead the organisation as managing director. The service began as a small counselling placement next to the Canterbury Umbrella Centre. Since then, CCS became an independent CIC in 2011 and moved to larger premises in Roper Close in 2015. This move allowed CCS to expand to seven counselling rooms and increase its volunteer counsellor team from 30 to over 50.

For more than 18 years, CCS has supported over 6,000 clients. The organisation receives around 500 referrals annually from individuals, the NHS, and other sources. CCS holds organisational membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring all counsellors, whether qualified or in training, follow strict ethical standards. All counsellors hold current DBS checks, maintain professional BACP membership, and the organisation maintains full public indemnity insurance. CCS provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for clients to address their personal challenges.

Services

CCS offers affordable counselling sessions to adults facing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Volunteer counsellors and counsellors-in-training provide the service, which allows CCS to keep fees accessible without compromising quality.

Clients meet counsellors in private rooms at the Roper Close premises. CCS helps people with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bereavement, trauma, and stress. The organisation accepts referrals from individuals, the NHS, and other agencies. With over 150 counselling sessions available weekly, clients can find flexible appointment times to suit their needs.

Additionally, CCS runs Community Counsellor Training (CCT), which trains new counsellors from their first day through to diploma qualification over three years. CCT also delivers continuing professional development (CPD) courses for mental health professionals. They offer advanced training in counselling supervision, child and adolescent therapy, couples counselling, and life coaching.

In partnership with East Kent Rape Crisis Centre, CCT provides specialised training for rape and trauma counsellors. Profits from CCT directly support CCS’s counselling services, benefiting the local community.

Additional Information

Community Counselling Service combines professional standards with volunteer dedication. Its community-centred approach and ethical commitment make CCS a trusted resource in Canterbury.

If you seek affordable, professional counselling in a safe and supportive space, CCS is ready to assist. Contact Community Counselling Service Canterbury today to learn more or arrange an appointment.