Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Mental Health Support in Altrincham & Bury
Established in 1975, the The Counselling & Family Centre (CFC) has dedicated five decades to providing accessible mental health and wellbeing services across Greater Manchester. Our BACP-accredited organisation employs qualified counsellors offering face-to-face, video, and telephone therapy for individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement, and relationship challenges. We maintain two primary centres in Altrincham and Bury, with additional outreach at Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre in Timperley, operating extended evening hours to accommodate client needs. Our trauma-informed approach incorporates diverse therapeutic modalities including CBT, EMDR, and psychodynamic therapy, supported by clinical supervisors with specialist expertise. Beyond individual counselling, we deliver community-focused initiatives like wellbeing groups, mental health first aid training, and the Climate Caf, while maintaining partnerships with local schools and organisations. As a registered charity (No. 1133079), we rely on funding from trusts, corporate sponsors, and public donations to sustain our vital services.Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through multilingual counselling options (Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi) and concessionary rates for those on means-tested benefits. We also provide professional development opportunities for counsellors and mental health practitioners through low-cost training courses. Our community cafs and allotment projects extend our holistic approach to mental wellbeing, creating social spaces that combat isolation. With over 150 years of combined experience among our leadership team, we continue evolving our services to meet emerging mental health challenges while maintaining our founding ethos of compassionate community support.
Services
Adult Counselling
Family Therapy
Mental Health First Aid Training
Wellbeing Support Groups
Community Allotment
Couples Counselling
Parenting Support
Professional Development Courses
Remote Counselling
Youth Counselling
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience delivering mental health services across Greater Manchester
- BACP accredited organisation with trauma-informed therapeutic approaches
- Flexible access through face-to-face, video and telephone counselling options
- Community-focused initiatives including wellbeing groups and mental health training
- Multilingual support available in Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi
Associations and certifications
- British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
What people say
Qualified counsellors
Flexible session options
Supportive environment
Diverse therapeutic approaches
Helpful training courses
Services
Adult Counselling
Professional one-to-one counselling for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and life challenges. Our qualified therapists use evidence-based approaches including CBT and psychodynamic therapy. Sessions available face-to-face, by video or telephone at flexible times including weekday evenings.
Family Therapy
Specialist support for family relationship issues and dynamics. Our trained therapists help families navigate communication difficulties, conflict resolution and emotional challenges. Sessions focus on improving understanding and strengthening relationships through structured therapeutic interventions.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Comprehensive training to identify and support mental health issues in workplaces and communities. Participants learn practical skills to recognise symptoms, provide initial help and guide people towards professional support. Courses meet national accreditation standards.
Wellbeing Support Groups
Peer-led groups addressing specific mental health topics including anxiety, bereavement and climate change concerns. Facilitated by experienced counsellors, these sessions offer shared experiences and coping strategies. Available both in-person and online with flexible participation options.
Professional Development Courses
Specialist training for mental health professionals including EMDR, play therapy and diversity in counselling. Courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills development. Delivered by experienced practitioners with ongoing clinical supervision support available.
People
Alison Hambleton
Training Manager
Lead trainer with extensive experience in mental health education. Develops and delivers professional development courses for counsellors and related professions. Manages training partnerships and customised organisational programmes.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide adult, couples and family counselling, wellbeing groups, mental health first aid training, and professional development courses for counsellors.
How can I access counselling sessions?
Contact our Altrincham or Bury centres to book face-to-face, video or telephone sessions. We offer weekday evening appointments and multilingual support options.
Are your counsellors qualified?
All our counsellors are BACP-accredited professionals with specialist training in various therapeutic approaches including CBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy.
Do you offer services for organisations?
We provide mental health first aid training, staff development programmes and customised wellbeing solutions for schools, businesses and community organisations.
How is CFC funded?
As a charity, we receive funding from grants, corporate partnerships, course fees and public donations. This enables us to maintain affordable services and support vulnerable clients.
Can I volunteer with CFC?
We welcome volunteers for counselling placements, administrative support and fundraising activities. Student counsellors can apply for annual placement opportunities starting in February.
