Every step we take is a step towards better mental health for someone in our community.
At YMCA Bournemouth, we are committed to providing essential mental health support to individuals and families in our community through our Full Circle Counselling Service.
We are asking for your help to raise £10,000 to enable us to continue offering free and subsidised counselling to those who need it the most.
Event Date: Saturday 13 September 2025
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Start & Finish: Boscombe Pier → Bournemouth Pier & back (3.2 miles)
Your support will directly help:
- Local families in crisis
- Young people with disabilities (via our Chatterboxes programme)
- Individuals facing housing challenges
- Families navigating difficult circumstances through our Contact Centre
Our Impact
Currently, our counselling service is supporting 75 children and adults, providing 2799 sessions in 2024, with 1686 of those subsidised by YMCA Bournemouth. These sessions have made a real difference in the lives of individuals and families, helping them overcome challenges, improve mental well-being, and build stronger futures.
How you can help
Join us on 13th September as we walk from Boscombe to Bournemouth Pier and back.
This 3 mile walk, will also benefit all that take part, as we know that walking can significantly improve mental health by boosting mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing energy and self-esteem.
We ask that you set yourself a fundraising target of £200 which will go towards our event target of £10,000.
Everyone that attends will receive a YMCA walk T-Shirt, once we receive their deposit of £20.
How Your Donation Helps
Every donation helps us to provide 12 to 24 sessions with a trained counsellor for a person in need. With your support, we can continue to help those facing mental health challenges, whether they are children, families, or individuals in crisis.
Join Us in Supporting the BCP Community
The BCP Strategic Assessment (2023/24) reveals BCP has a higher than England average rate for measures associated with poor mental health, for both adults and young people.
Your donation will go directly to supporting local people, helping them access affordable and professional mental health support.
Every pound raised will have a direct impact on the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for supporting mental health in the BCP community.
Get in touch
For more information and an entrance form, please contact the event organiser:
Christopher Wakefield
Head of Fundraising
YMCA Bournemouth
Delta House
56 Westover Road
Bournemouth BH1 2BS
Full Circle Counselling
The YMCA Bournemouth counselling service offers low cost affordable one to one counselling to the residents of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. Counselling is provided with our trained counsellors and can be accessed at three locations in Bournemouth: Winton and Southbourne; there is also an opportunity to access this service remotely. We are an organisational member of the B.A.C.P (British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists) and we follow their Ethical Framework.
Real Stories
Danny’s Story
Danny has battled hard to get himself free of addiction but last year he also battled for others by organising a coffee morning in aid of cancer care.
Medhi’s Story
Mehdi is now a very successful businessman in Bournemouth but it has been a very difficult journey. A stay at YMCA Bournemouth changed his life.
Jess's Story
Jess became homeless after a mental health breakdown resulting from domestic violence. After her stay at YMCA Bournemouth she now lives in her own flat.