CLCC is a counselling agency. Our mission is to provide a listening service to people in crisis and a counselling service for those needing longer term support.
Our objectives as defined by our constitution are:
To provide a free same-day crisis listening and counselling service aimed mainly at the socially deprived, but for anyone in trouble or in need; and to offer follow-up counselling for a maximum of 24 weekly sessions if requested.
To provide placements for student counsellors who are completing a recognised diploma or post-graduate training course in counselling.
To offer volunteering opportunities with training and support to those interested in working at the reception area in welcoming and assisting clients, as well as members of the public who visit the Centre for information.
The centre is in Camden Town in North London. It was founded in 1998 as a free service for people in need of counselling and unable to afford the fees usually charged by counsellors. The Centre’s uniqueness lies in the Open-Door policy whereby anyone who is in distress, trouble or in need.
Context
The Borough of Camden is the 11th most deprived in London and the 25th in England (DETR Index of Deprivation).
It has a population of about 200,000 people, plus a large daily transient population who work there.
Black and ethnic minority groups constitute over 25%.
According to the Mental Health Needs Index, Camden has one of the highest needs for mental health services in London (21% above the England average).
Camden has the highest suicide rate in the country (Suicide Prevention Scrutiny Panel report, July 2004) – and one of the highest suicide rates in Western Europe (60% more than expected).
This may be connected to a young population (72% under 45, compared to 60% nationally)
Camden has a high prevalence of drug use and dealing, street drinking, begging, homelessness, poverty, prostitution and street crime.
Central Camden has been designated a Neighbourhood Renewal Area
What CLCC offers
CLCC uniquely offers a walk-in, crisis listening centre at the very heart of Camden - open to all, free of charge – something akin to a face-to-face Samaritans.
CLCC also offers a professional, low cost counselling service, upholding best practice in line with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework.
CLCC provides a training option for student Counsellors
Our Co-ordinator is Anglo-Indian, fluent in Urdu and Hindi, with working knowledge of Marathi and Gujerati. Others speak Pashto (Afghanistan), Farsi (Iran) and Bantu (Zimbabwe).
About Us 