Anchor was founded in 2005 by Lopita, Bhagya, Ila, Mita, Neelam and Sheila, at a time when free mental health support was extremely limited and long before NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) existed. Our mission was simple: to provide free, professional counselling and emotional support to people who otherwise could not access the help they needed.

From the original six founders, Anchor grew into a team of more than 50 dedicated, BACP and UKCP registered psychotherapists and counsellors, offering free face-to-face, online and telephone counselling, supported by an incredible clinical and administrative team – Sue, Stella, Selina, Shivangi, Sarah(s) and David.

Throughout our aim remained the same: to ensure that high-quality counselling was accessible, inclusive and free.

During the Covid pandemic our service never paused. We continued supporting our own clients while also accepting referrals on behalf of West London NHS Trust when many of their staff were redeployed to frontline services.

Over the years it has been our privilege to support thousands of people across Hounslow and the surrounding communities through some of the most challenging times in their lives. We have been fortunate to work alongside valued funders, the NHS, community partners and an exceptional Board of Trustees, all united by a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing. We areespecially proud of our unique partnership with the local Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank, providing counselling alongside practical support for people facing exceptionally difficult
circumstances.

While we are deeply saddened that Anchor’s journey has come to an end, we are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved over the past two decades. The landscape for small independent charities has changed significantly, and despite our strong, successful outcomes, personalised approach and unwavering commitment to those we served, it has become increasingly difficult for organisations of our size to secure the funding needed to continue.

Above all, we leave with enormous gratitude. To our clients and patients, exemplary psychotherapists and counsellors, volunteers, donors, referrers, community partners, accountants, our devoted Board of Trustees, Sally Smith and Alan Rides at West London (Hounslow) Chambers of Commerce, Nicky and Peter McKenna at WSI Digital Advisors for our lovely website, Sadia and Ian Barlow for our perfect logo and EVERYONE who has walked alongside us over the last twenty years – THANK YOU. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve our community and to play even a small part in so many people’s lives.

If you are seeking counselling or emotional support, please contact NHS Hounslow Talking Therapies: https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk/hounslow-talking-therapies
Should you have any enquiries relating to the closure of Anchor Counselling, please contact Keith Vaudrey & Co Chartered Accountants at info@keithvaudrey.com.

With love and gratitude,

Jacqui

Chief Executive