MENTAL health services are to be expanded in Bolton in response to the growing crisis facing the sector.

Bolton-based Beacon Counselling Service, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, has been given a cash injection to move into bigger offices.

Shirley Thompson, Beacon Trustee, speaking at the event said: "For many years Beacon has dreamed of having dedicated counselling rooms and office facilities in one location, and this dream has come true thanks to the hard work and support of many dedicated and committed people, but frankly the conversion was necessary to ensure Beacon continues to develop capacity to meet the growing demand for counselling services.

She added: "It was thrilling and emotional to see volunteers, past and present, gathered together to reflect on the past and look forward to a bright future for Beacon. We have come a long way over the years and our staff and volunteers are as committed as they ever were to fight on for the people of Bolton that are in need."

The offices have moved from shared space in the second floor of The Hub to the third floor.

The move was funded through a slice of £7.8 million of national funding awarded to Bolton.

The new rooms are said to provide better accommodation and facilities for clients and more than 45 volunteer counsellors who offer counselling services for a wide range of mental health issues including sexual and domestic abuse.

Trustees say that the national spike in reports of sexual abuse has seen Beacon set up facilitated group counselling sessions.

Pam Duxbury, the charity’s Service Manager, said: "We aim to remain progressive. Our groups have been a hugely successful and we have already taken steps towards increasing our capacity to provide more as well as maintaining our one-to-one sessions whilst support Bolton’s people to lead a more fulfilling life.”

Cllr Linda Thomas, Chairman of Bolton’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Funding is one of the big challenges for services working to tackle mental health with resources stretched across our health services. The voluntary sector is stepping up to take a lot of the pressure and the work Beacon is doing shines brighter than ever for those in need and seeking support."

She added: “The Bolton Locality Plan prioritises funding for mental health to address the scale of the challenge.”

Beacon provides weekday, evening and Saturday morning counselling session from its Bolton town centre offices based in The Hub in Bold Street.