Lions give £1,000 to counselling service

HENLEY Lions Club has given £1,000 to Riverside Counselling, which provides affordable counselling services to the local community.

The money will pay for 20 counselling sessions.

A cheque was presented by former Henley mayor Pam Phillips, club president John Moore and secretary Dave Murray to Adrian Marsh, chairman of the charity.

Mr Marsh, 60, of St Mark’s Road, Henley, said: “It is brilliant to get support from the Lions.

“In order to provide an affordable service, we have to generate funds. This year we have to raise up to £250,000, so we need all the support we can get.

“This donation will enable us to provide counselling for somebody who might be suffering from anxiety or depression or really struggling to maintain a full and happy life. It could also help someone with mental health issues take the first step by paying for their initial consultations. This will be transformative and life-changing for somebody going through that.”

Henley Lions, a team of 19 volunteers, have supported the local community for more than 50 years.

Mr Murray, 74, who joined in 1989, said: “We have supported Riverside Counselling a number of times. It is a really good cause which supports people in need.”