An emotional wellbeing charity’s new premises in Sudbury will allow it to “meet the ever growing demand” for its services, according to its co-founder.

%image(15300081, type="article-full", alt="Just Talk has opened its new premises in Sudbury Picture: JUST TALK")

The Just Talk Campaign has officially opened its new headquarters at the former Suffolk Free Press newspaper offices in Borehamgate Precinct.

Just Talk was launched by psychotherapist Glenda Roberts and counsellor Sharon Kendall in 2016 following a number of suicides in the Sudbury area, and received charitable status last year.

The campaign offers support to people needing help with their emotional well-being and holds free monthly drop-in sessions where people can discuss issues without needing to book an appointment.

The campaign also offers affordable one-to-one counselling services, and the charity has already helped many people to cope with their problems.

%image(15300083, type="article-full", alt="Glenda Roberts said she is "thrilled" to open the charity's new home Picture: ARCHANT")

But demand for the charity’s service is now so high it has left its Exploring U Wellbeing Centre in Station Road and officially opened its new three-storey home on Saturday, November 24.

Dignitaries including James Cartlidge MP and Sudbury mayor Sue Ayres attended the grand opening and were joined by members of staff from the Just Talk team.

Ms Roberts said: “We are thrilled to be officially opening our new home, which will help us meet the ever growing demand for our services.

“There is not a day goes by where someone comes and asks us for help. Now we will have enough space to ensure we can meet the ever growing demand for the service ensuring any local person struggling with their emotional well-being will receive the support they need.”

The charity’s new home has been completely redecorated and consists of a shop fronted reception area and rooms for drop-in sessions, counselling and training. There is also kitchen and toilet facilities within the building.

Ms Roberts added: “We having been working extremely hard to get the new premises set-up and fit for purpose and we look forward to showing people what we have created.

“We now have the perfect facility from which the charity can continue to grow.

“The new premises is a fabulous community base where people who may be suffering with their emotional well-being can come and seek support in a safe and friendly environment.”

Mr Cartlidge said: “I am a strong believer in the ability of voluntary and charity organisations to deliver excellent additional resources in the community, and have been enormously impressed by the work of organisations such as ‘Just Talk’ and the Kernos Centre to provide mental health support to residents.

“Last year I attended one of the Just Talk bereavement group sessions to see first-hand the incredible support that is available for my constituents.

“I was encouraged to hear from Dr Ed Garratt that the East and West Suffolk CCGs are looking to embrace a holistic approach to mental health services in Suffolk, ensuring that support is built up in our communities.

“One part of this strategy is to harness the power of voluntary community groups and I look forward to seeing the support that will be made available to charities such as Just Talk in the future.”