Tameside counselling service receives prestigious King’s Award

A counselling organisation which supports Tameside residents has been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Side by Side Counselling was one of 231 volunteer groups across the UK to receive the award in November, which is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive and equivalent to an MBE.

The service has been running for over 18 years and provides free, open-ended counselling to people in Tameside and Oldham. It receives no external funding and relies solely on voluntary client donations and fundraising events, with a fully voluntary team.

Side by Side’s nomination for the prestigious award was backed up by Action Together and some of its clients, recognising the hard work of volunteers and the community spirit they demonstrate.

Volunteers work with any client over the age of 17 on any issue, from anxiety and depression to bereavement to gender dysphoria. Individuals will continue to see the same counsellor weekly for as long as it is beneficial, with no limit on sessions.

Side by Side aims to make a real difference to the people of Tameside and ensure nobody struggles alone, focusing on building a rapport and trust with clients. The team want people to be comfortable and at ease when sharing things with their counsellor that they may not have told anybody else, knowing they will be fully accepted.

The organisation also supports Tameside College students and other trainees, helping them work towards becoming qualified counsellors by gaining experience and acquiring their required counselling hours.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills, who has volunteered with the service as a qualified counsellor for nearly two years, said: “Side by Side Counselling’s service offer across Tameside massively impacts people’s lives. I absolutely think that the organisation deserves this recognition for the excellent support it offers.

“Everyone can recognise the need for community-based mental health support and what is great about Side by Side is the lack of barriers and short waitlist.

“I look forward to seeing its dedication and commitment to transforming the lives of local people continue.”

To self-refer to Side by Side Counselling’s Ashton service, contact 07376799797.