LIFE CENTRE

There are currently 5 professional, independent counsellors who work out of the Life Centre, and with whom we have a close relationship. In addition, we have 3 qualified and 6 trainee counsellors. The trainee counsellors complete their professional practice hours under our supervision and guidelines. This enables them to develop their career at the same time as increasing the Life Centre’s capacity to provide a free service. The Listening Service provides a useful alternative for people who do not need counselling, but would benefit from an opportunity to talk through problems, with signposting to further support if appropriate.

Our vision is to expand and develop our counselling service as a centre for young trainee counsellors, and we have the organisational structures, policies and procedures in place for this to happen. We see this as a response to the increasing mental health needs, particularly among young people, where, for example, the suicide rate is high.  We want to increase our ability to provide appropriate counselling for young people at their time of great need.

This service is well established and well known in Stirling, having run for over 10 years. Children can be referred from any route, such as schools, playgroups, social services or church members, and they often come when all other options have been exhausted and the family is desperate to see improvement with emotional and behavioural challenges. We have two full-time trained therapists who work with children on a one-to-one basis, using a wide variety of play therapy techniques over a course of, usually, 12 sessions. The outcomes are invariably very successful. We do have a waiting list for this service.

This service, begun in July 2025, a warm, welcoming space where you can enjoy friendly conversation, take a quiet moment for yourself, or simply unwind. Every Wednesday at Stirling Baptist Church, we serve a free homemade lunch of soup and bread for everyone who drops in.

The Bereavement Journey is a 7 session series of films and discussion that assists anyone bereaved to processs the impact of a death whether recent or long ago. 

Grief can be hard, affecting all areas of life. Without support it can lead to further loss, such as mental and physical ill health and attainment or it can affect attitudes, behavious, relationships - the future. 

Run by Christians, the programme uniquely offers a final session on faith questions arising in bereavement, provided from a Christian Perspective. This is optional, making The Bereavement Journey suitable for everyone. 

The Bereavement Journey is benefitting people in person or online in hundreds of locations across the UK, as well as nationally online. 

Our Art Class is a long-running, well-known weekly group that offers a calm, structured space for creative expression and social connection. Adults can self-refer or be referred by GPs, community link workers, agencies, or local groups. Sessions are facilitated, materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed. People often attend when anxiety, low mood, bereavement, or isolation have begun to affect daily life and they need a practical, low-pressure way to rebuild confidence and routine. Over a typical block of sessions, participants report feeling more relaxed, more connected to others, and more confident in their own abilities; many go on to re-establish hobbies or try other community activities. The class runs weekly, with steady attendance throughout the year; at peak times there may be a short waiting list. Donations are welcome to help cover materials.