Demand for youth counselling has doubled in the last two years, according to a Macclesfield youth charity.
Just Drop-In, based at Duke Street, is a walk-in support service for young people, providing information and advice for those with problems such as employment, money or accommodation.
Last year the charity gave professional counselling to twice as many young people than in 2013/14.
While 42 people aged between 12 and 25 used the service in 2013/14, the figure rose to 97 the following year.
And despite having 10 trained councillors, the charity has had to place young people on a waiting list for the first time.
Ann Wright, Just Drop-In’s chief officer, says while young people today are facing increasing pressures, better awareness and more public figures speaking out about mental illnesses has helped them come forward. She said: “There has been a lot of national press about mental health and that has helped people to come forward. Young people are facing lots of life pressures, like trouble with money, and experience life difficulties. Sometimes, they need a helping hand along the way.”
Last year more than 30pc of young people who came to Just Drop-In for counselling were male, up from 20pc the year before.
Initially founded to celebrate the millennium by a group of churches, Just Drop-In first opened in 2001 on Chestergate.
It then moved to King Street before settling into the current building on Duke Street.
In 2012, Just Drop-In launched a new service called MyPad aiming to teach young people about independent living.
As a result of the increased demand, a group of local organisations, businesses and volunteers have helped to refurbish the ground floor with new sofas, ‘pods’ and a fresh lick of paint.
It was funded thanks to the Cheshire East Community Grand Scheme, St Alban’s Church, and an anonymous donor, while volunteers and young people helped with the labour.
Ann added: “We pride ourselves on being a Macclesfield Project and it was wonderful to see our amazing community coming together to make this transformation possible.
“We are now in a great position to continue to help local young people find their feet.”
For information email hello@justdropin.co.uk or call 01625 665079.
