New director for Norfolk Christian care service 

The 4Cs Centre for Christian Care and Counselling, which now operates in four centres across Norfolk, has appointed a new director and is looking to new opportunities to develop the service

 4Cs – Centre for Christian Care and Counselling, was set up over 20 years ago in Norwich.  The centre provides counselling  by Christians who are qualified counsellors, and give their services voluntarily to people from all walks of life irrespective of gender, race, age, sexuality, faith or no faith

Kath Habershon took the role of director of 4Cs in November 2014. Kath worked for over 15 years with women in residential treatment for addiction, having moved from counselling into managing the therapeutic programme there for the past 8 years.  She is a firm believer in the merits of counselling and would love to see the service consolidated and expanded    

She believes that the Who Cares survey, recently undertaken by Norfolk churches, is evidence that our communities suffer with the kind of issues which can benefit from being addressed in a supportive one to one context. Bereavement, loneliness, addiction, feelings of hopelessness, abuse and mental health were some of the top answers to the question “What hurts the most?”

Andy Gathercole, chair of trustees said, "Kath comes to us with many years of experience of counselling and support work, particularly with those with addictive behaviours. We are confident that she will build on the excellent work of the former directors and lead us into the future with commitment and enthusiasm. We are excited by the arrival of new volunteers and exciting opportunities to develop the service in order to benefit those wanting counselling and support within a Christian ethos“

Kath wants to ensure that 4Cs continues to be able to provide counselling for people who would otherwise be excluded from this help for financial reasons, without compromising on professional standards. Counselling is offered from as little as £5 per session depending on individual circumstances

There are now four centres in Norfolk operating under the banner of 4Cs includingNorwich, Aylsham, Dereham and King's Lynn.  Referrals  are made through GPs, helping agencies, churches or clients can self-refer. Although the organisation is entirely staffed by volunteers, 4Cs have to find money for training, supervision, rents, administration and travel expenses, and this is not met by donations from their clients. They are looking to raise awareness of the service and raise funds where possible over the coming months

Pictured above: 4Cs director kath Habershon