Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Bereavement & Loss Support Services
Founded in 1984 by Dr Linda Machin, The Dove Service has established itself as a trusted provider of bereavement and loss support across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Wirral. Our organisation combines over four decades of experience with a commitment to delivering high-quality counselling, group support, and training to individuals and communities affected by grief, life-changing illnesses, or significant loss. Our team of 35 dedicated professionals includes BACP-accredited counsellors, administrative staff, and volunteers who work collaboratively to ensure accessible, compassionate care. We maintain strong partnerships with NHS Talking Therapies and local employers to expand our reach while upholding rigorous clinical standards.Through innovative programmes like Dove Buddies social groups and our Grief Out Loud project, we provide flexible support options tailored to diverse needs. Our leadership team combines business acumen with specialist counselling expertise, ensuring both operational excellence and clinical integrity. We prioritise continuous professional development, investing in placement counsellors and mentorship programmes to strengthen the counselling profession. With registered charity status (1086625) and company registration (3613893), we maintain full transparency in our operations while focusing on measurable outcomes for those we serve.
Services
Adult Counselling
Bereavement Groups
Dove Buddies
Employee Wellbeing
Children's Support
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years specialising in bereavement support since 1984
- BACP-accredited counsellors with specialist training
- Free NHS and self-funded counselling options available
- Emergency support for organisations experiencing sudden loss
- Multiple locations across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Wirral
What people say
Life-changing impact
Compassionate professionals
Safe space to grieve
Improved mental health
Expert counsellors
Services
Adult Counselling
Our qualified counsellors provide one-to-one support for adults dealing with bereavement, anticipatory grief, or life-changing illnesses. Sessions help clients process complex emotions, develop coping strategies, and regain emotional stability. The service combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to address individual needs.
Bereavement Groups
Facilitated by trained professionals, these weekly groups offer safe spaces for sharing experiences and receiving peer support. Participants benefit from structured therapeutic environments while maintaining the option to simply observe if preferred. The groups focus on collective healing through shared experiences.
Dove Buddies
Monthly social meetups help combat isolation through community connection and recreational activities. These informal gatherings provide opportunities for building friendships and mutual support without formal counselling requirements. Locations include Trentham, Keele, and Crewe venues.
Employee Wellbeing
Customised EAP programmes help organisations support staff mental health following traumatic incidents or bereavement. Services include group sessions, training workshops, and confidential counselling to maintain workplace wellbeing and productivity across Staffordshire-based businesses.
Children's Support
Specialist counsellors provide age-appropriate support for children over four dealing with grief or loss. Creative therapeutic approaches help young clients express emotions through play and art while offering family support and professional training to educators and carers.
People
Charlie O'Dell
Chief Executive Officer
With over 15 years leading the organisation, Charlie combines business management expertise with BACP-accredited counselling experience. He oversees strategic development while maintaining safeguarding responsibilities.
Sarah Smith
Clinical Manager
A BACP-accredited counsellor since 2010, Sarah manages clinical operations and placement programmes. She brings extensive experience in both organisational leadership and direct client care.
Sarah Knott
Operations Manager
With marketing and leadership qualifications, Sarah has managed operational aspects since 2018. She oversees wellbeing services contracts and ensures efficient project delivery across multiple locations.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Wirral with face-to-face services in Stoke-on-Trent, Burslem, Crewe, and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
How much does counselling cost?
Self-funded sessions cost £45. Free options are available through NHS Talking Therapies for eligible residents.
Do you help children and young people?
Yes, we provide specialist support for children over four through school-based programmes and family-centred counselling services.
Can organisations access your services?
We offer employee assistance programmes including emergency support, group sessions, and training for local businesses and councils.
What support options exist besides counselling?
Our Dove Buddies social groups and bereavement support groups provide alternative community-based support options without formal therapy requirements.
How do I access services?
Contact our Stoke-on-Trent office on 01782 914455 or visit our website to self-refer, with options for both immediate and scheduled support.
