I started seeing Sue whilst on a waiting list for group therapy… the first few sessions I barely talked about anything other than the weather- but Sue was patient, and encouraging, and over the following months I opened up to her and came to rely on our sessions as a release. When it came time to finish, I was able to look back on how I was when I started and the journey I had been on with pride. Sue holds a special place in my heart for supporting me through a really challenging part of my life, and I’m really grateful that a service like No5 was there for me.
Date of Memory: 2002
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Anonymous Story
My counsellor was amazing and to this day, I credit her for getting me to a place where I could rise above the problems that felt insurmountable at the time. I was 16 at the time and life just felt so complicated but No5 made me realise that it was okay.
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Amber’s Story
Without No5, I honestly do not think I would have the ability to deal with my BPD or hearing difficulties.
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Abbie’s Story
My counsellor helped me to realise that there is no one perfect path I need to choose, because life will never be perfect and that is okay.
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Paul’s Story
My experiences of involvement with No5 was in the early days at Sackville Street. I recall my first, and only, attendance at Reading Pop Festival in 1973 was as a volunteer member of the team manning the No5 Help Tent.
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Without No5’s intervention, our daughter would not be the woman she has grown to be.
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James’ Story
I started working at No.5 in 1986 as an information assistant in the then 'No.5 Youth Counselling and Information Service'. I subsequently trained as a counsellor and then as a counselling trainer and also undertook the BCC 'Training the trainers' course.
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Anonymous Story
No5 were there for me during a difficult time as a teenager... I will be forever grateful for the service received, it really was life-changing.
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Anonymous Story
I had some counselling when I was at school as I was continuously bullied throughout it I didn't realise how bad it had affected me the counsellor was very good and helpful.
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Charlotte’s Story
Providing that space to talk outside of the NHS/CAMHS system meant a great deal to me.
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Carly’s Story
I was told about No5 by my Head of Year at school, who recommended I reach out to them and ask for help. My Mum called No5 at first, and I was then encouraged to call and talk to someone myself - that was the best call I ever made! I had 20 weeks of counselling at No5 with a counsellor who made me feel safe and listened to
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Hannah’s Story
It was a very tough year in my life, and at a pivotal point too. Luckily, I received the much needed counselling, meaning I was able to build and grow and continue with my education and become a strong enough person to accept my troubles and then leave them behind.
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Abbie’s Story
I remember how calming it felt on my first session to walk up to a building that looked like a house and that this feeling was felt throughout the building too - I had thought it would look more 'clean and clinical' not warm and inviting - this helped to calm my nerves and anxiety of my first session.
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Ruth’s Story
Why did I choose to volunteer at No5? I have personal experience of the power of counselling, not as a young person, but as an adult, and I know that good therapy can be life-changing. My passion for therapy and archives allowed me to immerse myself in the story of No5 that has been a privilege for me to undertake.
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Angie’s Story
We ended up creating a nice and fun video with ideas about interacting with plants during lockdown and how that can help a young person look after their mental health. And I'm really grateful to No5 for this opportunity.
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