Number 22 Community Counselling’s Annual General Meeting this week marked the beginning of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the charity. Since opening in Maidenhead in 1976, the charity has grown from a small youth counselling service into an organisation supporting over 2,500 residents each year across Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor.

Today, Number 22 provides free counselling for young people and low-cost counselling for adults; works in its own centres, in 30 schools, and in GP practices. The charity also plays a vital role in training future counsellors, growing from around 20 counsellors in 1993 to over 200 today, with 21 new counsellors graduating in the class of ’26.

Emily Warburton, Number 22 CEO says: “A look through our archives reveals just how visionary our founders were. Long before accessible mental health support was widely recognised as essential, they understood the difference it could make to people’s lives.Over the past 50 years, Number 22 has supported 36,864 clients, with 730 counsellors contributing their expertise and compassion. This remarkable achievement has only been possible thanks to the continued support of our communities across Slough Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.  As we look to the future, we thank you for your continued support, helping Number 22 build on this legacy and ensuring accessible mental health support remains available across our local communities for years to come.”