Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Free Counselling Services in Liverpool
Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) is a North West-based charity established in 2010, dedicated to providing free, confidential counselling and support for individuals affected by gambling-related harms and suicide bereavement. Our team of fully qualified therapists, accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP), delivers evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, and peer support. With no waiting lists, we prioritise accessibility across Merseyside and the wider North West region, operating under strict ethical guidelines and enhanced DBS certifications.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through programmes like Bet You Can Help, accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health, and Pauls Place, the UK's largest suicide bereavement service. Recognised with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, we combine lived experience with professional expertise to address complex mental health challenges, ensuring clients receive compassionate, long-term recovery support.
Services
Gambling-related harms therapy
Suicide bereavement counselling
Bet You Can Help training
Peer support groups
Couples therapy
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Free, immediate access to BACP-accredited therapists with DBS checks
- Specialist suicide bereavement support unavailable elsewhere in the UK
- Patented trauma-informed interventions for gambling-related harms
- 24/7 National Gambling Helpline partnership for urgent assistance
- Queen's Award-winning peer support and community recovery programmes
Associations and certifications
- Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)
What people say
Fantastic counselling service
Real personal touch
Highly recommended
Life-changing support
Immediate access
Services
Gambling-related harms therapy
Our specialist therapists provide free, confidential support for gambling addiction and its impact on families. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT and trauma-informed care, we help clients break destructive cycles. With no waiting lists, sessions are available face-to-face, via telephone, or online across the North West.
Pauls Place suicide bereavement
The UK's largest suicide bereavement service offers free, tailored counselling to Merseyside residents. Our trauma specialists provide peer support groups and individual therapy, addressing complex grief through a safe, structured approach. Funded by National Lottery grants, we support clients from initial assessment to long-term recovery.
Bet You Can Help training
Accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health, this programme educates professionals and communities about gambling harms. Delivered by experts, it equips participants with practical tools to identify risks and connect individuals with treatment services across the UK.
Peer support groups
Weekly face-to-face and monthly trek therapy sessions foster connection among those affected by gambling harms or suicide loss. These therapist-led groups provide emotional support, coping strategies, and shared experiences in a non-judgmental environment, promoting sustained recovery.
Couples therapy
Tailored interventions address relationship strains caused by gambling addiction or bereavement. Our therapists help couples rebuild trust and communication through structured sessions, combining individual and joint counselling approaches to restore family wellbeing.
People
Darren Melia
Chair of Trustees
With over 20 years in mental health leadership, Darren oversees BCT's strategic direction. He champions accessible therapy services and drives partnerships to expand the charity's impact across the North West.
Joe Williams
Co-founder
As co-founder of Pauls Place, Joe channels his lived experience of suicide loss into service development. He leads fundraising initiatives and community engagement, ensuring bereaved individuals receive compassionate, specialist support.
Agnes Williams
Co-founder
Agnes co-founded Pauls Place following her son's suicide. She focuses on peer support programmes and volunteer coordination, creating safe spaces for bereaved individuals to share experiences and begin healing.
Neil Platt
Trustee
Neil represents BCT on national gambling policy forums. His expertise in public health approaches informs service design, ensuring alignment with best practices while maintaining the charity's community-focused ethos.
Kathy Devlin
Co-founder
Kathy co-founded Pauls Place after losing her brother to suicide. She manages day-to-day service operations, ensuring clinical excellence in bereavement counselling and maintaining strong links with NHS partners.
Questions
Can family members access support for gambling-related issues?
Yes, our free service includes affected partners, family members, and friends. Contact us on 0151 226 0696 for immediate assistance.
How many counselling sessions are offered for gambling therapy?
You'll receive up to 8 initial sessions, with potential for extension based on your therapist's assessment of ongoing needs.
Is there a waiting list for suicide bereavement counselling?
No, assessments occur within 7 days of contact, with counselling starting within 7 days of assessment.
Are peer support groups available?
Yes, we offer weekly face-to-face groups and monthly trek therapy walks for both gambling and bereavement support across the North West.
Do you provide training for professionals?
Our Royal Society of Public Health-accredited Bet You Can Help programme trains professionals to identify and address gambling-related harms effectively.
How is the service funded?
We rely on donations, fundraising, and grants like our £338,000 National Lottery award, as we receive no government or NHS funding.
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