Side by Side Counselling

02/05/2026

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎

Zhang Stephanie, Erica Greenwood, Jacqui Derbyshire

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, fans

02/05/2026

Unlocking Strength: The Power of Speaking Up

Hey everyone,

Let’s talk about something that’s often brushed under the rug but is incredibly important: mental health. It’s a topic that many of us struggle with, yet it's one of the most vital aspects of our well-being.

As men, there is often an unspoken pressure to be strong, to handle everything on our own, and to keep our emotions under wraps. But here’s the truth: seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it's a remarkable display of strength.

Counseling offers a safe space where you can express your feelings, confront your challenges, and explore your thoughts without judgment. It’s a powerful tool to help you navigate life's ups and downs. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, finding someone to talk to can make all the difference.

Consider these reasons to take that step:

1. Break the Silence: Opening up can shatter the stigma around mental health. By sharing your own story, you might inspire others to do the same.
2. Gain Perspective: A counselor can provide insights and tools that help you view your situation from new angles.
3. Build Resilience: Regular conversations about feelings can strengthen your emotional resilience and make you more capable of handling life's challenges.
4. Prioritise Yourself: You deserve the chance to focus on your mental well-being. It’s time to invest in YOU.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. There is no shame in seeking help and no better time than now to start. Let’s redefine what strength looks like together—starting with the courage to speak up.

29/04/2026

If you become our supporter on easyfundraising, you'll raise free funds for Side By Side Counselling simply by shopping online. And if you join by Sunday, you can help Side By Side Counselling WIN 1 of 2 £1,000 donation prizes in easyfundraising's giveaway! Side By Side Counselling will get a FREE entry each time a new supporter signs up! It only takes a moment and it's completely free, so please get involved if you haven't already - this would really boost our fundraising:

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

21/04/2026

Since 2007, Side by Side has supported the Oldham and Ashton community by providing free, open-ended, face-to-face counselling to people living in severe disadvantage.
Led by volunteers, the service operates across local sites, reaching individuals who would otherwise have no access to accredited mental health care. In an area shaped by historical racial tensions, Side by Side's work across ethnic communities demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.
Their impact is substantial. In the past year, Side by Side supported more than 6,000 people, helping to reduce anxiety and depression, lower levels of domestic violence, and improve wellbeing for individuals and their families. By rebuilding confidence and stability, their counselling has enabled some clients to return to education and employment, creating wider social and economic benefits for the local area.
Side by Side is distinctive because it offers long-term counselling based on need, without strict time limits. This is especially important in a system where NHS waiting lists can exceed a year, and many charities can only offer short-term or online support. Side by Side provides a vital alternative for vulnerable people who need consistent, in-person care but may not meet crisis thresholds or be able to pay privately.
A key strength is their sustainable volunteer recruitment model. Through partnerships with local academic institutions, they have tripled their number of volunteer counsellors, many of whom are multilingual and reflect the diverse population they serve. Volunteers receive high-quality supervision and support toward professional qualifications, and many remain with the service after qualifying, strengthening long-term capacity.
Overall, Side by Side offers a rare and essential resource in Oldham.
Without it, many residents would go without effective mental health support. Their work shows how well-supported volunteers can deliver high-quality, scalable services that change lives and strengthen communities.

21/04/2026

This is our introductio letting people know about our service.

21/04/2026

The Kings Award ceremony

20/04/2026

Here is a video of James completing the marathon yesterday. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and also to James for this undertaking. Well done to all the other runners too, what an achievement. There’s still time to donate to Side by Side Counselling.
Here is the link https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJJWRR06QF64/checkout/WFG5O5X32LZQ5PY2ADZFG3SV?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv0&fbclid=IwZnRzaARS34VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeLtRw0q2nn-rTTeH4ifbWNtMkABC4fC56z3ic5T_XckJ7h6BBTeXjUOFTVZM_aem_aynclEiyfFOF6gZBR8ZaWg
Bob Jam

19/04/2026

A massive well done to James for completing the marathon in 4 hours and 28 minutes, raising an impressive £296.15 for Side by Side Counselling! It's wonderful to see such dedication and support for a vital service.

There’s still time to donate and make a difference; every contribution goes directly back into the service. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated so far!

If you'd like to support the cause, here’s the donation link: Donate Here (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJJWRR06QF64/checkout/WFG5O5X32LZQ5PY2ADZFG3SV?fbclid=IwdGRjcARSFvxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe9w2GpH_m7n5afdaBSd3-Ni4lSaAe5ifbgGtS_G3-zWlMT2khixAnzKZ4nmE_aem_iw2tTqCuZPOVnTBDtg_gTQ&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv0).

Together, we can help keep this service available for those who need it!

Sponsorship for James, a great man who is running a marathon to raise money for Side by Side Counselling. We are a volunteer run counselling organisation that offers free unlimited counselling to everyone (17+). Nobody gets paid at Side by Side Counselling, so all the money you sponsor James will go...

19/04/2026

Good luck to everyone taking part in the Manchester marathon today and an extra good luck to James who is running and raising vital funds for Side by Side Counselling. It’s not too late to donate and all money raised goes straight into this crucial service so we can continue our important work with this who need us. https://www.facebook.com/share/18LJ6gcw5G/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Sponsorship for James, a great man who is running a marathon to raise money for Side by Side Counselling. We are a volunteer run counselling organisation that offers free unlimited counselling to everyone (17+). Nobody gets paid at Side by Side Counselling, so all the money you sponsor James will go...

17/04/2026

Sponsorship for James, a great man who is running a marathon to raise money for Side by Side Counselling. We are a volunteer run counselling organisation that offers free unlimited counselling to everyone (17+). Nobody gets paid at Side by Side Counselling, so all the money you sponsor James will go...

17/04/2026

🏃‍♂️✨ Join Us in Supporting James on His Marathon Journey! ✨🏃‍♂️

We're thrilled to announce that James, an inspiring individual and valued member of our community, is lacing up his running shoes to tackle a marathon! His mission? To raise vital funds for Side by Side Counselling, a dedicated volunteer-run organization that provides free, unlimited counselling for everyone aged 17 and up. 💚

At Side by Side Counselling, our passionate team of volunteers believes in the power of support and mental well-being, and we are committed to ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone. That's why every penny you contribute to James’s marathon efforts will go directly towards Side By Side Counselling 💖
No donation is too small.

Sponsorship for James, a great man who is running a marathon to raise money for Side by Side Counselling. We are a volunteer run counselling organisation that offers free unlimited counselling to everyone (17+). Nobody gets paid at Side by Side Counselling, so all the money you sponsor James will go...

01/01/2026

🌟✨ As we step into the new year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the journey we’ve all been on—especially for those of us who have faced mental health challenges. This past year may have been filled with ups and downs, moments of joy intertwined with struggles, and days when just getting out of bed felt like a victory.

But here we are, at the threshold of a new year, and it’s a time for hope and renewal. Remember, it's perfectly okay to bring your whole self into this new chapter—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Embrace the fact that healing is not linear, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.

Allow thoughts and feelings to come, acknowledge them and speak about them.
We’re listening.