A COUNSELLING project that has ‘done wonders’ for the Polish community in Trowbridge needs to find £6,500 or the whole initiative will collapse.

Wiltshire Mind launched its venture just over a year ago following concerns from businesses and members of the Polish community that staff were suffering from mental health issues and not integrating with the wider community.

Since the mental health charity started the project, it has provided more than 16 counselling sessions a month in Trowbridge with Polish counsellor Anna Barnett, who has made them feel welcome, grow in confidence and improve their English.

The pilot project’s future is now in jeopardy as funding from the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation will cease in September and unless local businesses or bodies can raise the £6,456 needed to keep the service running it will be axed.

“This project has done wonders for them in many ways and the feedback has been so encouraging,” said Ms Barnett.

“On Fridays, between 5-9m at Kestrel House in Trowbridge, I get to see my clients and it is such a worthwhile session. People have come to me with all sorts of problems but just having someone to talk to is so valuable.

“I have 12 people at the moment and eight more are waiting to join.

“At first they talk to me in Polish but, slowly but surely, the English has crept in and now they have made big strides in that area.”

They have gone back to work and spoken more English or just made more effort to become more involved with the Trowbridge community.

“People see me for six weeks or up to 18 weeks for £15-30 a session and if they cannot afford it, we cater to their needs and work around that.

“Wiltshire Mind approached me and I am so grateful that they did. However if this could not continue, it would be a huge setback. This is the only thing of its kind in the county.”

Wiltshire Mind, which does not receive Government funding, also proves six peer support groups and two groups for carers with mental health issues among other things.

Carolyn Beale, Wiltshire Mind chief executive, said: “The project is a necessity for Trowbridge and has made a real difference to the Polish community, their personal issues, their mental health and integration into the community. We do not believe there is any other easily accessible service for the large Polish community in Trowbridge.”

To donate email Carolyn.Beale@wiltshiremind.co.uk