A University of Lincoln graduate has helped more than 180 people with mental health issues since setting up her counselling business less than a year ago.
NW Counselling Hub CIC was co-founded by Alex Parkin and Naomi Watkins in April 2017, just a month before Alex graduated in Health and Social Care.
Alex met her co-director, Naomi, while attending a Domestic Abuse conference organised by university health and social care students, which then led to work-based practice.
The consultancy has grown to 18 trained counsellors, who are now based at Allenby Business Park in Crofton Road in Lincoln, including two therapy dogs.
“People can sometimes be waiting months for the counselling support they need in the here and now.
“By creating the hub ourselves, we have been able to tailor a service for the wider community,” said Alex.
“I believe being self-employed and running a company has allowed me to use [my course] knowledge even more as I have been able to use the teaching materials and also my tutor’s experiences and knowledge to ensure I shape the business in a way that works for the service user and empowers them.”
Alex and Naomi’s counselling business provides support through face-to-face sessions, online or through the phone.
NWCH offers other facilities like support groups for young people and parents for almost all problems, ranging from abusive relationships to addictions. They also collaborate with other agencies to offer support and advice.
Helping the new generation of counsellors, Alex’s business also provides training opportunities for people who are looking to pursue a career in this field.
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The westbound lane of Thorndike Way in Gainsborough is currently closed due to a police incident.
This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as more information is available.
If you’re in the area, and can help keep others informed, you can contact the newsroom on [email protected] or 01522 837217
We are currently on scene on Thorndike Way, Gainsborough dealing with an incident. Due to this the the westbound carriageway will be closed for the current time. Incident 73 05/07/2022 ^CD pic.twitter.com/3B8R3hhuiV
— Lincolnshire Police Control Room (@FCR_Lincs) July 5, 2022
Works to replace worn out carriageway on several Waddington roads will start in late July.
The improvement project will start on Monday 25 July and last up to twelve weeks (subject to weather).
The project will be carried out in five phases. Below is a list of roads where sections of carriageway will be rebuilt:
Brant Road
Hollywell Road
Hill Top / Tinkers Lane
Far Lane
Manor Lane
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “As many will have noticed, some of the roads in Waddington are nearing the end of their serviceable life. As a result, we’ll be rebuilding them starting in July.
“This will be a massive improvement project. In fact, we expect to lay over 9,000 tonnes of new tarmac over the twelve-week scheme.
“Although there will inevitably be some disruption, we’ll be doing everything we can to keep this to a minimum including maintaining access for residents throughout the entire scheme.”
Cllr Thomas Dyer, county councillor for Waddington and Hykeham East, said: “I’m thrilled that these essential works are set to start next month.
“With over 6,000 residents, Waddington is one of the county’s largest villages, and I think nearly everyone who lives in or travels through the area will be pleased to see us rebuilding sections of Brant Road, Hollywell Road and other key roads that are in desperate need of repair.
“Residents will no doubt experience some inconvenience over the planned twelve weeks of work, but it’s important that we get these improvements completed as quickly as possible.
“As your local councillor, should anyone have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact me.”