Return to Rekindle
By Karen Greenough
This was my third visit to Rekindle but the first time I have been there during a session in full swing. The place was full of young people, chatting, working, playing games or just chilling out quietly. It felt both busy and relaxed all at once and as I arrived a group were just gathering for a photoshoot with a local dignitary.
I sat down for a chat with Lizzie Cockle, the Service Delivery Manager. Lizzie explained how services had recently had to be pared back a little due to a reduction in funding. These changes have included a pause in new counselling referrals in Newtown, some vacant roles not being replaced, and a small number of staff redundancies.
First Aid Training
Smoothie Making
The following wording has been taken from a quote from Rekindle’s Facebook page
Against an exceptionally challenging funding and fundraising environment for charities, Rekindle has made the difficult decision to review its capacity and future provision to help safeguard the future of the organisation in the long term and the support it provides to young people across Powys.
Following careful consideration and a thorough review of its financial position, Rekindle’s Board of Trustees and leadership team concluded that changes were needed to ensure the charity remains sustainable and able to continue supporting young people in the years ahead.
This decision has not been taken lightly and reflects the difficult reality facing many charities across Wales and the UK.
Rekindle remains deeply committed to the young people who access its services. Protecting continuity of care and minimising disruption for those currently receiving support has been central to every decision made.
Current counselling clients already on the Newtown counselling waiting list are unaffected and will continue to receive the support they have been offered.
While Rekindle is pausing new counselling referrals in Newtown, it will continue to accept referrals for:
One-to-one wellbeing support and art psychotherapy in Newtown
Groups, activities and drop-in services in NewtownCounselling, wellbeing support, drop-in and group activities in Welshpool until March 2027
After my chat with Lizzie I met up with Daisie, Linus and Scott. These 3 Young People have been regularly attending Rekindle for well over a year now and all now work as volunteers for the service. I chatted first with Daisie who was busying herself creating some posters for an upcoming bake sale. It transpired that Daisie is a talented baker and has planned to bake over 90 cupcakes for the event! Daisie spoke very eloquently about Rekindle and how it truly has positively impacted her life.
” I was really shy at first but I loved it so much that I have become a volunteer. Now it’s like my second home! I would love to work here”
Bowling Trip
Daisie busy with designing a poster
& Linus and his lego creation.
Linus sat to my right creating a lego race car. He let me know that his parents had encouraged him to go along to Rekindle to access the 1:1 wellbeing support over a year ago and he loved it so much he now volunteers and helps other young people to find their feet. Linus is moving on from the service and will miss coming along but has gained so much during his time here.
I also met Scott, he had found out about the service at a careers event and started to come along with a friend. He told me all about the various trips and activities he has attended, and how he particularly had enjoyed bowling.
Daisie explained that activities are arranged based on what the young people have an interest in, so far trips have included, bowling, golf, horse riding and a trip to Comic Con. Activities at the centre include cooking, arts and crafts, pool and lots of quizzes. All of which build confidence, social skills and develop independence. Some service users are already living independently or just about to move into their own places and currently thanks to Fine and Country, are able to access Home Start bundles
She went on to say that Rekindle is a welcoming space for ALL young people aged 16-25 and not just those struggling with their mental health. I noticed a real warmth and kindness in the way they interacted with one another. One young lady came in with bad news and was met with empathy and compassion by her peers. Empathy, not judgement is exactly what we all need when we are navigating our way through life especially during the crucial transition to adulthood.
The young people of Rekindle have taken matters into their own hands and are running not one but two bake sales, if you aren’t local to Newtown but would still like to support their fundraising attempts you can donate here
How to access suport from Rekindle
You can refer yourself to Rekindle by completing their secure online referral form. A referral can also be made on your behalf by a friend, family member or professional with your permission.
You are also welcome to contact the team at Rekindle through their website by visiting their premises in during drop-in times, phoning them on 01686 722222 or emailing help@rekindle.org.uk