Who is Counselling Matters Bexley? Counselling Matters Bexley (CMB) is an independent charitable organisation (Not for Profit) run by a dedicated team of professional counsellors. Based in Belvedere, they are committed to making mental health support accessible to everyone by providing high-quality, professional counselling at a low cost.
CMB serves as a vital bridge for those who may find private therapy too expensive or are facing long waiting lists for free NHS services. They support over 700 people annually, offering a safe, confidential and compassionate environment to explore personal challenges and improve wellbeing.
What Does Counselling Matters Bexley Offer?
CMB provides a comprehensive range of in-person and remote services tailored to the Bexley community:
1. Low-Cost Individual Therapy
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Professional one-to-one counselling sessions for adults and young people.
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Sessions are designed to be affordable, with further concessions available for those in financial hardship.
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Support for a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement and stress.
2. Talkline (Free Phone Support)
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A free, confidential phone counselling service available for those who need immediate emotional support.
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Operates Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
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Provides a listening ear and guidance without the need for a formal intake process.
3. Carers Wellbeing Service
4. Domestic Abuse Support
- Specialist support services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, providing a safe space to process trauma and rebuild safety.
5. Children and Young People (CYP) Services
6. Wellbeing Groups & Courses
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Yoga & Mindfulness: Low-cost community yoga classes (e.g. £5 sessions in Bexleyheath) and mindfulness courses to support physical and mental harmony.
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Workshops: Structured groups focusing on self-awareness and mental health education.
7. Business & School Packages
- Bespoke mental health support packages designed for local businesses and educational institutions to support staff and student wellbeing.
🧠 Who Is It For?
Counselling Matters Bexley is designed for residents of Bexley and surrounding areas, specifically:
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Adults seeking affordable, long-term or short-term therapy.
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Children and Young People needing specialized emotional support.
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Unpaid Carers in need of wellbeing check-ins.
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Individuals in Crisis who require the Talkline service during office hours.
🔐 Professional Standards & Safety
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Accredited Professionals: All counsellors are fully qualified and registered with professional bodies such as theBACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or theNCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society).
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Confidentiality: CMB maintains strict confidentiality and safeguarding protocols to protect all service users.
🆓 How Much Does It Cost?
CMB operates on alow-cost, non-profit model:
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Fees are significantly lower than private practice rates.
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Concessions are available to ensure that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.
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TheTalkline service is completely free to use.
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Community yoga and groups are offered at nominal rates (e.g. £5).
📱 How Do You Access CMB?
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Location: 6A Albert Road, Belvedere, DA17 5LJ.
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Phone: 0800 047 2600 (Talkline and General Enquiries).
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Website: www.counsellingmattersbexley.org
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Referrals: You can self-refer by contacting them directly via phone or email; no GP referral is strictly required to start the process.
💡 Why Is CMB Important?
CMB fills a critical gap in local healthcare by:
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Removing the financial barrier to professional therapy.
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Providingin-person support, which is vital for many who prefer face-to-face connection over digital-only platforms.
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Offering specialised support for specific groups like carers and victims of domestic abuse.
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Reducing the strain on local NHS mental health services.
🔚 In Summary
Counselling Matters Bexley is a community-focused charity providing affordable, professional, and face-to-face mental health support. Whether you need one-to-one therapy, a supportive phone call, or a wellbeing group like yoga, CMB offers a compassionate pathway to recovery that is accessible to all members of the Bexley community, regardless of their financial situation.