New name, same trusted support: The Relationship Service at New Park Centre
Relationships Sussex, based at New Park Centre, supports individuals, couples, families and young people, helping people navigate life's challenges before they become overwhelming.
Read our Q&A with Jaycee Leddra from Relationship Sussex to discover how counselling can support your wellbeing and why the trusted team formerly known as Relate has a new name.
Many people will know the organisation as Relate. Can you explain the transition to The Relationships Service?
You’re right that Relate is very well known with a long history in the local area. As Relate, we were active in West Sussex for over 60 years. Following changes to the national Relate network earlier this year, independent centres such as ours adopted new branding. While our name has changed to Relationships Sussex, the service, team and support remain exactly the same.
What has stayed the same: values, staff, confidentiality, or referral routes?
The only thing that has changed is our name and branding. Our service, and our experienced, dedicated team of staff and counsellors remain the same. People can contact us directly on 01293 657055 or at reception@relationshipssussex.org.uk to talk to our team about counselling. They can also make an enquiry and find out more about our service on our website: www.relationshipssussex.org.uk
What is the Charities mission today?
Our vision is a future where healthy relationships form the heart of a thriving society. Our mission is through counselling, to help couples, families and individuals to make personal changes which enable them to engage in committed and loving relationships for the benefit of themselves, their family and society.
What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about counselling?
A really common misconception is that you have to be at crisis point to engage in counselling. The truth is counselling can lead to greater self-understanding, self- compassion and positive choices at any point in life. Another is that counselling is about getting advice. Counsellors work with their clients to establish a joint understanding about what the client would like from counselling, and they work collaboratively to reach that goal. It is an empowering process
Who can use the service - couples, individuals, parents, families, young people?
Our service is for all couple relationships, families, adult individuals and children and young people aged 5-18.
 No Problem Is To SmallRelationships Sussex |  Don't do it aloneRelationships Sussex at New Park Centre |  No Problem Is To SmallCounselling can be a proactive step to making your relationships better |  Don't do it aloneRelationships Sussex |
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 No Problem Is To SmallRelationships Sussex |  No Problem Is To SmallRelationships Sussex |  No Problem Is To SmallDescribe your image |
Why are relationship and family support services so important today?
More than ever, relationships and families are under pressure. The cost of living, uncertainty in the wider world, changing relationships and growing mental health challenges for children and young people are just some of the contributors to this. Counselling creates space for each person in the relationship to speak honestly and openly about the challenges they are facing, and to be heard in a compassionate space. The counsellor supports them to communicate, understand one another, and address old habits and dynamics which may be present. The support can be life-changing.
What are the three most common reasons people contact you?
Common reasons include: issues with communication; coping after an affair; family breakdown; and managing separation/co-parenting well. Individuals and children and young people will often be struggling with issues like: stress/anxiety; bereavement; and low-mood.
How does counselling help someone who is unsure whether their problem is “serious enough”?
No problem is too small. People do not need to be at crisis point to approach us. In fact, reaching out to us when there are simply niggles or early concerns can be really helpful at preventing a situation from escalating further. Some people come to us as part of their regular commitment to their own wellbeing. Others simply want to be proactive in making their relationship better.
At what point should someone consider seeking support?
At any point. If they are thinking about it, reach out to our friendly team and have a conversation about what might be helpful for them. Counselling can be short term or long term, and is tailored to the needs of the individual or couple/family
What happens during an initial assessment?
The initial assessment is an opportunity for the individual or couple/family to meet with their counsellor and talk about the reason they have reached out to us. The counsellor will gather key information about the client(s) and answer any questions they may have. It is a two-way process to establish: a) if we are the right service for the client at this time; b) if this is the right time to engage with counselling support; and c) to build an understanding of what the client wants from counsellor to ensure that ongoing support is what they want and need. The initial assessment does not commit people to ongoing counselling – it is merely the starting point and an opportunity to make a decision about what is next.
Why is being based at New Park Centre important to the organisation?
The New Park Centre is at the heart of the community in Chichester, and we are really pleased to be based here. It is important for us to partner with other organisations committed to supporting local people. The rooms are affordable, it is open and airy, there is parking on site and we have good relationships with the New Park Centre staff.
What message would you like to share with anyone currently struggling in a relationship or family situation?
Sometimes when you are struggling with a relationship or family situation, you feel like you’re the only one, or you have somehow failed. This is not true. Relationships are hard, and family life can be challenging. You don’t have to do it all alone. Counselling gives you the space to speak honestly and address hard issues in a safe and open place. Making that first step takes a lot of courage, but you will be warmly welcomed by our team of staff and counsellors.