Sophie Wellings is the new Chief Executive at Riverside Counselling Service.
With a passion for the voluntary sector and a focus on mental health, Sophie brings her extensive experience to Riverside, emphasizing the importance of counselling and volunteering in local communities.
She joins Riverside after working for the charity voluntary sector for many years. Sophie started out working with young people in the criminal justice system and those looked after by the local authority. Her last two roles have been focused on older people. She was the Advice and Volunteering Manager at U3A and most recently Chief Executive at Link Age Southwark; a South London local charity which provides support services designed to alleviate loneliness and social isolation.
Sophie said, “After completing my degree, I did an Introduction to Counselling course. At that time, I was not ready to progress further with the study required. I resumed my counselling studies in 2019 and qualified in 2023. I was attracted to this role as I was looking for a part-time role that would allow me to retain my connection with the voluntary sector whilst developing my counselling work. Riverside seemed like a great fit.”
Strong appreciation of the importance of local community connection and volunteers are key to a successful local charity Sophie believes. She comments, “For most of my time in the sector I have had a strong focus on working with volunteers. The voluntary contribution that people make to charities is very special. I have a passion for the voluntary sector and the significant difference that charities can make in the lives of people whose needs may not be met elsewhere.”
Riverside has been offering counselling for 35 years and last year provided 5500 sessions to 400 people across South Oxfordshire. Looking ahead, Sophie said, “We do some special work with young people but are probably more known for our work with adults. I am very keen to raise the profile of our work with young people and have more of them benefit from our service provision.”
Many more people are looking for mental health support. Sophie explains, “A positive societal change is that over time mental health struggles are becoming less stigmatised and people are seeking the support that they need. Counselling can make a significant difference for people that can impact on so many different areas of their lives. Our work doesn’t just support the individual but also their family, friends, their work, studies and the wider community as a whole.”
Financial sustainability is the biggest challenge facing local charities and Riverside is no different. Sophie comments, “The economic challenges that the country has faced have a trickle down to charitable giving both from the public but also from local authorities and our grant givers.”
Outside of her work, Sophie loves walking and hiking. She reflects, “As many of us now know, spending time outdoors is wonderful for our mental health. So, while I’m appreciating the walks, the stunning views, and the fresh air, I’m also living by my personal ethos of looking after my mental wellbeing.”