About us:  We have been supporting young people for 25 years.....

Established in 1986, 14-21 was originally called NYCAS which is the acronymn for Newbury Youth Counselling Advisory Service.  The name was changed to 14-21 in the early 1990's to promote not only the 'core age range' but also the agency's opening times: 1400 hours to 2100 hours!  This has often caused confusion however, as the counselling is offered to any young person aged 11 to 25 years.

Our Beliefs...

14-21 strongly believes in the values of integrity and respect and appreciate the variety of individual experience and culture.  We also believe in the promotion of Self, working to facilitate and enable rather than to provide solutions to problems.  In a nushell, this means that the counsellors will work with you to explore your issues.

What you can expect...

Whether an appointment takes place at Broadway House or at school, you can expect the same level of professionalism and expertise. 

Confidentiality is always very high on our agenda although you need to be aware that, in accordance with The Children's Act 1988, we are legally obliged to disclose if clients, under the age of 18, present as bring at risk (any form of abuse or harm by others and/or self harm).  In this instance the agency follows its own procedures for Risk Assessment and works closely with the client before disclosing to another agency or authority.

Parents, Carers and Guardians need to be made aware that the confidentiality is between 14-21 Time to Talk and the young person, and that this also means that the agency cannot divulge whether a client has attended his/her session or not.

How to book an appointment...

If you would like to book an appointment to see a counsellor at Broadway House (either day or evening), then please call the office on 01635 581421. You may either be added to the waiting list or offered an appointment should one be available.  You need to be aware that sometimes the waiting list can mean a 3-6 week wait time before we can offer you anything, but it may also be very short and something could be offered within a couple of days. 

You will be asked for your first name, your age, a contact telephone number and the prefered time you would like to have an appointment.  We will also ask you how you heard about us and if it was via your GP we will ask you the surgery name.  We will also ask which school you attend (if you do). This information is strictly confidential and is only asked for our own statistical analysis to help us secure funding. Should you get the answer phone when you call, please leave your name and a contact telephone number and we will get back to you.

Important to know....

One of the most common worries about the initial session is 'what to talk about' and 'how to start'.  Just remember that the counsellors are here to help and they will guide you through the counselling process and support you all the way.

It really doesn't matter what your problems are, or what worries or issues you may have.  What is important is that you explore them.