A Leamington group that supports vulnerable women in the community is seeing the demand for its counselling services more than double.

The Esther Project, a gender-specific organisation supporting those who have experienced trauma and adversity, says it needs regular donations to keep pace with the number of women seeking their support.

The team delivered 154 counselling sessions by the end of May compared to 160 sessions during the whole of last year, highlighting the growing demand for early mental health and trauma support across Warwickshire.

The Esther Project funds counselling at a cost of £50 per session, with most women accessing a 12-week programme costing £600. By the end of May, the charity had invested £7,700 in counselling support alone.

For women experiencing domestic abuse, homelessness, trauma, poor mental health or other significant challenges, counselling is often the foundation upon which recovery is built.

Whilst practical support can address immediate needs, counselling helps women process trauma, rebuild confidence and develop the resilience needed to move forward. It can be the difference between a woman remaining trapped in crisis and taking the first steps towards recovery.

The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 - her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions for women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness.

The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 (image via Karen Massey Photography)

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She shared: "Women shouldn't have to reach crisis point before they can access support. We regularly meet women who are carrying the impact of domestic abuse, trauma, poor mental health and significant life challenges, yet are facing long waits for the help they need.

"Counselling gives women the opportunity to process their experiences, rebuild confidence and begin moving forward. It is often the foundation upon which everything else is built.

"The fact that we've already delivered 154 counselling sessions by the end of May - almost matching the 160 sessions delivered throughout the whole of last year - demonstrates both the growing demand for support and the importance of early intervention. Every session represents a woman taking an important step towards recovery, stability and hope for the future.

"Thank you to the Newfield Charitable Trust who have made generous contributions to our counselling costs."

One woman supported by The Esther Project had experienced domestic abuse and was facing a six-month wait for NHS support. Through Esther, she was able to access counselling immediately.

Another lady arrived in severe distress and experiencing suicidal thoughts. Following several weeks of counselling support, she became stable enough to access a psychiatric assessment and continue her recovery journey.

One domestic abuse survivor currently being helped, reflected on her journey. She said: "It's had a positive impact where I'm recognising my boundaries, and sticking up for my myself. I am now giving myself permission to do things I never felt allowed to do before. The counselling process has also helped me to heal my inner child. She's not fully healed, but she's getting there."

"My advice to anyone about to go through this is to remember that each type of counselling is different and you've got to go with what's best for you. I respond to person-centred type of healing whereas somebody else may be CBT, for instance."

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The Esther Project funds counselling at a cost of £50 per session, with most women accessing a 12-week programme costing £600. By the end of May, the charity had invested £7,700 in counselling support alone (image via Karen Massey Photography)

The Esther Project has also supported women to secure housing, rebuild family relationships and move towards independent living, with counselling often forming the foundation of that progress.

Lianne believes the increase reflects both growing awareness of its services and increasing demand for accessible mental health support among women facing crisis, trauma and disadvantage. It is now calling on local people, businesses and supporters to help fund future counselling provision.

She added: "At The Esther Project, counselling is often the foundation on which recovery is built. A donation of £50 funds one counselling session, while £600 funds a complete 12-week counselling programme, helping a woman access the support she needs to begin healing and rebuilding her future.

"I never received the right counselling when I needed it most so I am really passionate about providing the right level of care by trained professionals." For further information about The Esther Project visit: https://www.theestherproject.co.uk/

Women can self-refer themselves to the hub online.

The Esther Project has also supported women to secure housing, rebuild family relationships and move towards independent living, with counselling often forming the foundation of that progress (image via Karen Massey Photography)