TODAY is World Mental Health Day, raising awareness on the vital importance of supporting mental health for everyone.

Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS), situated on the High Street, in the heart of Stroud has been serving the community for over 40 years providing affordable, professional counselling services to everyone from children and young people, to individuals, couples and those working in organisations across the county.  

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, this Saturday GCS is launching its first training event on the theme: Working with Gender Diverse Children and Young People.

The event is led by Phillipa Beale from the highly regarded Tavistock and Portman NHS trust Gender Identity Development Service in London.

It will be a training event that blends pragmatism with theory, and Philippa will be joined for part of the afternoon by a young adult who will share his story of navigating his journey through child and adult gender services and share his reflections on what has helped and hindered along the way.

Designed specifically for anyone working with gender diverse children and young people, including teachers, counsellors, social workers and psychotherapists, those attending will be able to develop their skills in working with these children and young people and their families, and with knowledge about other services that exist to support their work.

Mike Keating, head of training at GCS  said: "Gloucestershire Counselling Service exists purely to support the mental health and wellbeing of the community of Stroud and the wider county.

"In honour of World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to have Phillipa Beale sharing her knowledge and considerable experience in working with gender diverse children and young people."