Children & young people — in person & online
Growing up is hard. Talking helps.
A safe, confidential, friendly space where a young person is listened to without judgement — and helped to find their own way of coping.
A space of their own
Listened to — properly, and without judgement
School, friendships, family, the pressure to have everything figured out — being young can be overwhelming, and it often feels like nobody really listens. Counselling gives a young person time that is completely theirs: a friendly, private space to say what's actually going on.
Our counsellors don't lecture and they don't judge. They listen, take the young person seriously, and help them find their own way of coping — one that genuinely works for them. And talking isn't the only way: we can use creative ways of working when words are hard to find.
Understanding what they're going through
Why growing up can get heavy
Children develop by adapting to their environment and creating attachments with their caregivers. As they grow, there are times when what they experience differs from what they believe in, or how they have been taught as an infant. If their experiences cause inner conflict, this can cause difficulties establishing their own identity, vulnerabilities leading into unhealthy behaviours and spending time with people who might exploit their vulnerability, as well as struggling to create healthy relationships.
When young people are struggling with events and feelings that they find hard to make sense of or share with others, they sometimes resort to anger — both verbal and physically acting out — or developing anxious behaviours, withdrawing from others and causing difficulties in school. This can have a significant impact on families and friends, as well as the young person themselves, and they may turn to destructive behaviours such as violence, self-harm and eating disorders to comfort, cope or gain control.
At New Dawn we aim to create a safe and confidential space to support young people and empower them to share whatever they choose to. We work holistically to meet a diverse group of young people presenting with issues relating to the topics below — and many more.
What we can help with
Whatever they're facing, they can bring it here
Young people come to us with all sorts of things, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Self-harm
- Bullying
- Parents' separation and divorce
- Domestic violence
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Sexuality
- Trauma and abuse
- Neurodiversity
And anything else. If it's weighing on them, it belongs in the room.
Under-16s need a parent's or guardian's consent
If your child is under 16, we'll ask a parent or guardian to give consent for them to attend, and to be involved in the assessment process. Just mention their age when you get in touch, and we'll guide you through it.
For parents & carers
It's hard watching them struggle
Reaching out on a child's behalf can feel like a big step. Here's what you can expect from us.
- Safe hands. Our counsellors are DBS-checked and members of professional bodies such as BACP, UKCP and ACC — properly qualified, and experienced with young people.
- Their space, kept private. Sessions are confidential, and that privacy is often exactly what helps a young person start to open up. Your counsellor will explain how confidentiality works when you begin.
- No judgement of your family. Every family goes through rough patches. Asking for help says something good about yours — that someone cares enough to act.
- A gentle start. It begins with a relaxed 60-minute assessment, where you can ask any questions you have. Then we match your child with the counsellor best suited to them.
- In person or online. Sessions run Monday–Thursday 9am–7:30pm and Friday 9am–3pm, at the centre in Beeston or online.
Family therapy isn't available just yet — it will become available as soon as a suitably qualified counsellor joins the team.
Fees
Straightforward fees — and help if money is tight
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Initial assessment — young person (60 minutes) | £45 |
| Counselling session (50–60 minutes) | £35–£55 |
The exact session fee depends on your counsellor — sessions with a student counsellor on a supervised placement are £35, and sessions with a qualified counsellor are £45–£55. Payment is by bank transfer, and our bursary fund can contribute up to £15 per session, when funds are available, if money would otherwise get in the way.
Ready when they are
Whether you're a young person who wants someone to talk to, or a parent worried about your child — get in touch. We'll take it gently from there.
Calls answered Monday and Tuesday evenings — otherwise, please email.
Need urgent help right now? We're not a crisis service — if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please use these instead: