Someone to listen. A safe space to be heard.
What is the Listening Service?
Our Listening Service provides one‑to‑one emotional support through compassionate, attentive listening. We won’t tell you what to do or judge your experiences. Instead, we offer time, understanding, and empathy, helping you feel heard and supported.
The service is delivered by trained staff who are committed to creating a calm, respectful, and confidential environment.
How it works
- Confidential support – What you share stays private, within safeguarding boundaries
- Non‑judgemental listening – We listen without opinions or pressure
- Your time, your pace – Sessions focus on what matters to you
- Safe and supportive – Delivered in line with YMCA values of care, respect, and inclusion
This service is about listening, not counselling or advising, giving you the space to talk freely and feel understood.
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Listening Service impact
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showed a decrease in feeling anxious or nervous
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increase in improved mental health and wellbeing
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increase in self-confidence
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parents / carers said their young person’s wellbeing had increase after the sessions
Our Listening Service offers a confidential, non‑judgemental space for young people who need to talk. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, or just struggling to make sense of things, our trained listeners are here to support you.
You don’t need to be in crisis and you don’t need to have all the answers, sometimes it helps just to talk.
“[The Listening Service] Gave me breaks and was a benefit to talk to someone and offload when I need it to avoid bottling stuff up I need it to avoid bottling stuff up”
“My sessions were good because it allowed me to verbalise my own worries, thoughts and feelings in a safe and comfortable environment where I felt heard.”
How can we help
Together, at YMCA St Helens, we focus our work around the following key areas
