No5 Stories
We’re seeking anyone who has had a connection with No5 and a story they would like to share. Perhaps you received counselling, volunteered at No5 as a counsellor, worked as a supervisor, a trustee, volunteer or supported our work with young people as a funder or community partner in Reading. We’d love to hear from you!
No5 opened its doors in 1971 to support young people’s mental health in Reading. After celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2021, we are collecting stories of the last half a century of No5!
Share your Stories13 stories from people who Received counselling
Anonymous Story
My counsellor was amazing and to this day, I credit her for getting me to a place where I could rise above the problems that felt insurmountable at the time. I was 16 at the time and life just felt so complicated but No5 made me realise that it was okay.
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Amber's Story
Without No5, I honestly do not think I would have the ability to deal with my BPD or hearing difficulties.
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Abbie's Story
My counsellor helped me to realise that there is no one perfect path I need to choose, because life will never be perfect and that is okay.
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Anonymous Story
No5 were there for me during a difficult time as a teenager... I will be forever grateful for the service received, it really was life-changing.
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Anonymous Story
When it came time to finish, I was able to look back on how I was when I started and the journey I had been on with pride... I’m really grateful that a service like No5 was there for me.
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Anonymous Story
I had some counselling when I was at school as I was continuously bullied throughout it I didn't realise how bad it had affected me the counsellor was very good and helpful.
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Charlotte's Story
Providing that space to talk outside of the NHS/CAMHS system meant a great deal to me.
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Carly's Story
I was told about No5 by my Head of Year at school, who recommended I reach out to them and ask for help. My Mum called No5 at first, and I was then encouraged to call and talk to someone myself - that was the best call I ever made! I had 20 weeks of counselling at No5 with a counsellor who made me feel safe and listened to
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Hannah's Story
It was a very tough year in my life, and at a pivotal point too. Luckily, I received the much needed counselling, meaning I was able to build and grow and continue with my education and become a strong enough person to accept my troubles and then leave them behind.
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Abbie's Story
I remember how calming it felt on my first session to walk up to a building that looked like a house and that this feeling was felt throughout the building too - I had thought it would look more 'clean and clinical' not warm and inviting - this helped to calm my nerves and anxiety of my first session.
Read More1 story from people who are Family of someone who received counselling
Anonymous Story
Without No5’s intervention, our daughter would not be the woman she has grown to be.
Read More1 story from people who were a Counsellor
James' Story
I started working at No.5 in 1986 as an information assistant in the then 'No.5 Youth Counselling and Information Service'. I subsequently trained as a counsellor and then as a counselling trainer and also undertook the BCC 'Training the trainers' course.
Read More1 story from people who were a Staff Member
Anonymous Story
My counsellor was amazing and to this day, I credit her for getting me to a place where I could rise above the problems that felt insurmountable at the time. I was 16 at the time and life just felt so complicated but No5 made me realise that it was okay.
Read More2 stories from people who were a Volunteer
Paul's Story
My experiences of involvement with No5 was in the early days at Sackville Street. I recall my first, and only, attendance at Reading Pop Festival in 1973 was as a volunteer member of the team manning the No5 Help Tent.
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Ruth's Story
Why did I choose to volunteer at No5? I have personal experience of the power of counselling, not as a young person, but as an adult, and I know that good therapy can be life-changing. My passion for therapy and archives allowed me to immerse myself in the story of No5 that has been a privilege for me to undertake.
Read More2 stories from people who were a Young Ambassador
Anonymous Story
My counsellor was amazing and to this day, I credit her for getting me to a place where I could rise above the problems that felt insurmountable at the time. I was 16 at the time and life just felt so complicated but No5 made me realise that it was okay.
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Angie's Story
We ended up creating a nice and fun video with ideas about interacting with plants during lockdown and how that can help a young person look after their mental health. And I'm really grateful to No5 for this opportunity.
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