ARC Counselling

05/11/2026

💙 Being resilient doesn't mean being strong all the time.

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or unsure of what to do next.

Emotional resilience isn't about ignoring difficult feelings or always looking on the bright side. It's about learning how to navigate life's ups and downs, knowing when to rest and recognising when we need support. 🌿

Remember, asking for help is a sign of resilience too.

If life is feeling particularly challenging, ARC is here to listen.

💙 www.arcweb.org.uk

04/11/2026

Raising boys who become kind, respectful and emotionally aware men starts with the conversations we have today.

From understanding consent and respecting boundaries to recognising when a joke has gone too far, the everyday lessons we teach our children can shape how they treat others throughout their lives.

It's important that boys grow up knowing they can express their emotions, stand up for others, take responsibility for their actions and show kindness without feeling that these qualities make them any less masculine.

❤️ Being strong doesn't mean being tough. It can mean being gentle, compassionate and brave enough to do the right thing.
These are valuable lessons for every child, and ones we can reinforce through everyday conversations, the behaviour we model and the way we respond when things go wrong.

💬 Parents, what would you add to this list? What's one lesson you believe every boy should learn as he grows up?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. 👇

03/11/2026

📱 Who's influencing the way boys and young men see themselves?

From social media personalities promoting extreme ideas about masculinity to online communities offering seemingly simple answers to complicated emotions, the digital world can have a powerful influence on young men.

But how can parents and carers recognise potentially harmful messages without shutting down the conversation?

Our free guide, The Manosphere: Supporting Young Men in a Digital World, explores the online influences shaping attitudes towards masculinity, relationships and self-worth.

It also offers practical advice for starting open, supportive conversations.

💚 Understanding their online world can help us better support their real one.

📖 Download the guide: https://arcweb.org.uk/factsheets/ or click the link in our bio.

01/11/2026

💚 Sometimes feelings get so overwhelming that it's hard to know what to do with them.

For some people, self-harm can feel like a way of coping with emotional pain, even when it brings more difficulties afterwards.

If this sounds familiar, we want you to know that you deserve support, understanding and safer ways to manage what you're feeling.

Our free guide talks about self-harm without judgement, explains why it can happen and explores ways to cope when things feel too much.

You don't have to figure everything out on your own.

📖 Find the guide here: https://arcweb.org.uk/factsheets/ or hit the link in our bio.

30/10/2026

Abuse isn't always physical. It can be emotional, psychological, financial or controlling. It can mean living in fear, being isolated from loved ones or feeling like you're constantly walking on eggshells.

💜 If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:

📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247

📞 Cranstoun – Wokingham Domestic Abuse Service (24/7): 0118 402 1921

📞 Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

📞 Berkshire Women's Aid: 0808 801 0882

💜 ARC Counselling: 0118 977 6710 | www.arcweb.org.uk

If you're in immediate danger, call 999.

Awareness shouldn't end in October. Neither should our compassion.

29/10/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Looking for a space where you can just be yourself?

Our Q***r + Trans Social Club is a welcoming space to meet people, make friends and spend time with others in the LGBTQ+ community. 💜

No pressure, no expectations. Bring your friends, your music, your art or simply come as you are!

📍 Wokingham Youth Centre
📅 Wednesdays from 4th November
⏰ 7:30–9pm
🌈 Ages 18–30

Your space. Your community. Your way. 🫶

***rAndTrans

27/10/2026

💙 We learn so much at school, but what about the things that prepare us for life?

From understanding our emotions and managing anxiety to navigating relationships, finances and the challenges of adulthood, there are so many important life skills that deserve attention.

We asked one of our ARC counsellors what they wish schools taught more of, and their answer highlights just how valuable emotional wellbeing and practical life skills really are. 🌿

Now we'd love to hear from you!

💬 Looking back at your school years, what's one thing you wish you'd been taught before stepping into adult life?

25/10/2026

💙 Free mental health resources, created to inform, reassure and support.

Did you know ARC has a growing collection of FREE mental health guides available on our website?

Covering everything from self-harm and men's mental health to body image, digital wellbeing and supporting young people, our guides explore important and sometimes difficult topics with compassion, understanding and practical advice.

And we're delighted to have received this lovely feedback from Wokingham Recovery College:

💬 “They approach potentially difficult topics in a way that feels supportive and respectful without talking down to the reader. It's really refreshing to see resources written in this way.”

Whether you're looking for support yourself, helping someone you care about or simply wanting to understand more, our guides are here for you.

📖 Explore our FREE resources: https://arcweb.org.uk/factsheets/

💙 Please share. The right information at the right time can make a real difference.

23/10/2026

💙 Every relationship has its ups and downs.

Even the strongest couples can experience challenges with communication, trust or simply feeling connected, especially when life gets busy or stressful.

Couples counselling isn't just for relationships in crisis. It can also provide a safe, supportive space to understand each other better, work through difficulties and strengthen your connection. ❤️

Asking for support isn't a sign that your relationship is failing. It's a sign that you're willing to work on it together.

🌿 Find out more about counselling and support at ARC: www.arcweb.org.uk

22/10/2026

💙 Worried about ketamine use? You don't have to face it alone.

Whether you're struggling with ketamine yourself, concerned about your child, partner or friend, or simply don't know where to turn, please know that support is available.

Ketamine can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health, and its impact can extend far beyond the person using it.

We're sharing Stacey Dooley's Down the K Hole documentary because it highlights an issue that deserves more open, compassionate conversations.

❤️ There is no shame in asking for help, and you don't have to wait for things to get worse.

If you or someone you know needs support, these services are here to help:

📞 FRANK: 0300 123 6600 (free, confidential drug advice, 24/7)

📞 Addiction Family Support: 0300 888 3853 (support for families and loved ones)

📍 Cranstoun Wokingham: 0118 977 2022 (local drug and alcohol support)

💙 At ARC, we also understand the emotional impact that addiction can have on individuals and families. If you need someone to talk to, visit www.arcweb.org.uk.

Please share this. It might reach someone who really needs it. 🫶

🎥 Stacey Dooley: Down the K Hole
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0032k40

Stacey Dooley spends four months with young ketamine addicts in a Stockport rehab.