Washington Mind is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O.) offering a range of mental health and wellbeing services and training for the local community throughout Washington, Sunderland and the Coalfields.
Washington Mind offers person-centered Counselling which is a Humanistic Approach, based upon the view that everyone has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change given the right conditions.
We aim to provide quality mental health services in a non-stigmatising environment for those aged 11 and above, who are experiencing, or who are at risk of, developing mental ill health and emotional distress.
Washington Mind Counselling Service is an accredited service with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we uphold the standards and ethics of this national regulatory professional body to practice in a safe and accountable way.
Adult Counselling Service
Washington Mind offers 1-1 Person Centred Counselling which is a Humanistic Approach, based upon the view that everyone has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change given the right conditions.
In order to support people to access appropriate support at the right time, we work with NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies in order to provide a single point of access for local adult mental health Services. This means that your initial referral and assessment will be through NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies (who you can find out about more and make a referral to by clicking here) who, after your initial assessment, will look at most appropriate ways forward and how that can be arranged. Should it be most appropriate for you to access counselling with Washington Mind, they will pass your details onto us and we will be in touch with you when an appointment is available.
Young People’s Project
Washington Mind Young People’s Project offer 1-1 counselling and groupwork for young people aged 11+ who live within the City of Sunderland. Click here to visit our Young People’s Project page.
Social Support Groups
We offer a schedule of activities, groups and events across Monday to Friday which enable people to get together to help improve their wellbeing ad connect with others. Sessions include Craft Groups, Knit and Natter, Men’s Groups and more.
Listening Ear
Washington Mind’s Listening Ear service is here for anyone in the Sunderland, Washington or Coalfields area who needs confidential emotional support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply need someone to talk to, our trained practitioners are here to listen and help you take the next steps toward improved wellbeing. This is not a counselling or crisis service, but a safe space to talk openly, share what’s on your mind, and feel heard without judgement.
Therapeutic Groups
At Washington Mind, we offer a range of therapeutic groups and courses designed to help you develop practical skills and strategies to support your mental health and wellbeing. Our groups provide a safe and supportive space to learn, share, and grow alongside others who understand what you’re going through.
Training
Washington Mind offers a range of training courses designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals within our community. Whether you’re looking to better understand your own mental health or support someone else, our courses are tailored to suit different experiences, backgrounds, and levels of knowledge.
Ray’s Corner
Ray’s corners are set up in workplaces and community settings across Sunderland and beyond. They aim to break down the barriers that can prevent people from reaching out for help when they need it. Each corner acts as an information hub, with resources and signposting information. The corners provide an accessible way for people to find help, and due to its flexibility during set up, it is both discreet but also on display in very public settings which challenges the stigma associated with mental health.
