Announcement as of 05/09/2026

Rekindle Announces Changes to Services Following Funding Challenges

Rekindle, a charity providing person-centred, recovery-focused mental health and wellbeing support to young people aged 16 to 25 in Newtown and Welshpool, has today announced changes to some of its services, including a pause in new counselling referrals in Newtown, some vacant roles not being replaced, and a small number of staff redundancies.

Against an exceptionally challenging funding and fundraising environment for charities, Rekindle has made the difficult decision to review its capacity and future provision to help safeguard the future of the organisation in the long term and the support it provides to young people across Powys.

The charity, like many similar organisations, has faced increasing financial pressures in recent years. Rising operational costs, growing demand for support from young people without government funding, and a significant reduction in available grant funding have created a widening gap between income and the cost of delivering services.

Following careful consideration and a thorough review of its financial position, Rekindle's Board of Trustees and leadership team concluded that changes were needed to ensure the charity remains sustainable and able to continue supporting young people in the years ahead.

This decision has not been taken lightly and reflects the difficult reality facing many charities across Wales and the UK.

Commitment to Young People and Continuity of Care

Rekindle remains deeply committed to the young people who access its services. Protecting continuity of care and minimising disruption for those currently receiving support has been central to every decision made.

Current counselling clients already on the Newtown counselling waiting list are unaffected and will continue to receive the support they have been offered.

While Rekindle is pausing new counselling referrals in Newtown, it will continue to accept referrals for:

• One-to-one wellbeing support and art psychotherapy in Newtown

• Groups, activities and drop-in services in Newtown

• Counselling, wellbeing support, drop-in and group activities in Welshpool until March 2027

  
  

General referrals to Rekindle remain open. Where appropriate, young people will be offered an initial assessment and supported to access the Rekindle service, or external support, best suited to their needs. However, referrers are requested not to make referrals for counselling at this time.

Rekindle will continue working closely with partners, commissioners and stakeholders throughout this period and will keep partners informed as plans develop.

The charity would like to thank its staff, volunteers, partners, funders and supporters for their continued commitment and understanding during this challenging time.

For further enquiries please contact Chair@rekindle.org.uk 

Claire Brooks, Chair of Trustees at Rekindle, said:

“For young people ages 16 to 25, navigating the transition into adulthood is more challenging than ever and can lead to pressures on mental well-being. Rekindle has been offering emotional and practical mental health and wellbeing support to young people in Newtown since 1997 and the trustees, founders and friends are working with the Rekindle management team to find ways to ensure its future.”

Lizzie Cockle, Service Delivery Manager of Rekindle, added:

“The staff at Rekindle are at the heart of this organisation and their expertise and dedication have helped hundreds of young people in our community. We are focused on supporting our staff and clients through this process.”