Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. It's an understandable feeling. Society encourages us to be self-sufficient individuals but in reality the mix of emotions, thoughts and experiences that life throws at us can be overwhelming to deal with alone. We might turn to friends and loved ones but they may not always be able to help. Plus many of us haven't been taught how to care for our own mental health or that of those around us.

At this Friday Lunch Undra Astbury and Rachael Reid will explain the benefits of working with a trusted and certified counsellor. Undra and Racheal have recently established the Huntly Counselling Hub, a private practice to help meet the need for more mental health providers in the town. Undra and Rachael both hold Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and are registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Undra and Rachael works with clients facing wide range of challenges, including loss, grief, addiction, neurodiversity, relationship difficulties and work related concerns. Together, they bring their experience and understanding offering supportive and inclusive counselling service for the diverse community in and around Huntly.

Accessibility

Friday Lunch is usually attended by 15-25 people. It takes place in Square Deal (22 The Square, Huntly AB54 8BR), the creative and community hub on Huntly Square. There is a guide to visiting Square Deal online here. This includes information on travelling to the venue, photos and plans of the space, and sensory information.

This is a family friendly event and children are very welcome. We have highchairs and children’s cutlery/crockery available.

There are facilities for heating up your own food if desired.

This event is free, but donations of £2 to cover the cost of ingredients and any access costs for the speaker are welcomed.

Allergens/dietary Notes

This dish contains celery and walnuts. Food at this event is prepared in a kitchen that may have traces of nuts, seeds, dairy and other allergens. Everything is clearly labelled and there are always vegan and gluten free options. Please let us know if you are planning on coming along and have any food allergies by emailing: bruce@deveron-projects.com

About the HOME Programme

The sharing of food is a great leveller. On the second and fourth Friday of the month, we invite people who live or work in and around Huntly to speak about things they are passionate about – this could include their work, a project, an area of research or hobby. Topics are broad and change every time, from nature to community development, writing to food, history to social justice among many others. 

This event is part of our HOME Programme. Through regular events and artists’ residencies, HOME supports the everyday and creative practices of cooking and eating, chatting and caring, sharing skills and learning together. HOME regular events include Friday Lunch, as well as the monthly Food Chain cookery workshop and a stall at the Huntly Farmers' Market. These events celebrate local knowledge and experiences, and explore what it's like to live and work in and around Huntly. Through this work we aim to build more complex understandings of Huntly and its place in the world. If you'd like to contribute to the HOME Programme, or know someone who you'd love to hear from, then get in touch with us on: info@deveron-projects.com.

Photo by Phoebe McBride