A counselling service supporting people experiencing emotional distress and financial hardship has received a £5,000 boost from our Community Benefit Fund.
Affordable Counselling Epping Forest (ACEF) is a local charity, set up in 2015, that provides low‑cost counselling for adults aged 18 and over who live in the Epping Forest District.
ACEF is committed to making counselling accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Recommended donations are based on what each person can afford, helping to ensure that no one is turned away because of cost.
Our grant helped cover counsellor and administrative costs for three months last year, allowing ACEF to continue offering support to clients who could only afford the minimum donation.
“Clients typically pay between £5 and £40, depending on what they can afford,” explained Jane Walters, Chair of Trustees. “Any shortfall in the counsellor’s standard £40 fee was covered by the grant.
“We are extremely grateful to the Qualis Community Benefit Fund for helping to underpin ACEF’s counselling services between March and May 2025 and for supporting this important project.”
ACEF’s annual review for September 2024 to August 2025 shows the positive impact the service has had on the local community. During this period, 90 clients accessed counselling support.
Where comparisons could be made at the start and end of counselling:
The funding helped ensure vital mental health support remains available to some of the most vulnerable people in the community at a time when it is needed most.
