TROWBRIDGE counselling service Relate Mid Wiltshire celebrated its 40th anniversary last week and took the time to a look back on its work with nearly 35,000 people in the West Wiltshire area.

The charity, which opened its offices in 1975, starting predominantly as a marriage guidance service and through the years it has expanded to offer a broad range of services in relationship counselling, family counselling and sex therapy.

In the last year alone, Relate Mid Wiltshire helped 970 adults, over 950 children and 42 families with support during difficult times by encouraging safe, healthy and fulfilling relationships.

At the anniversary ceremony last week, Lesley Braithwaite, chair of trustees, said: “We are proud to have been delivering relationship counselling in Trowbridge for 40 years, and particularly proud of our high quality, professional service which has developed from just marriage counselling to the range of children, family counselling and training we offer today.

“We look forward to the next 40 years.”

The Trowbridge branch of Relate is part of the largest provider of relationship support in the UK.

In addition to the landmark occasion, the charity welcomed new chief executive, Penny Prosser, who will be officially taking over the role on Friday.

“I am passionate about the impact of emotional health and wellbeing on families and individuals, so I am delighted to be joining Relate Mid Wiltshire in their ongoing work to build healthy and safe relationships in our community,” Ms Prosser said.

She has previously worked in the local voluntary section for a number of years at Barnados, the Samaritans and, most recently, at SSAFA managing Forcesline and information and support.

The celebratory occasion was also attended by the deputy mayor of Trowbridge, Linda Self.

For more information about the charity or to make an appointment, visit: www.relatemidwiltshire.co.uk.