Affordable Counselling Epping Forest (ACEF) is a charity that provides affordable counselling to individuals living in the Epping Forest District. ACEF is an independent charity operating in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Its aim is to protect and preserve the mental wellbeing of individuals and, by extension, their families. By supporting people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, belief, or sexuality, ACEF helps vulnerable residents who are unable to afford the full cost of counselling and are experiencing financial hardship.
ACEF provides up to eight weekly counselling sessions for each client. People access the service for a range of issues affecting their daily lives, including anxiety, depression, isolation, bereavement, relationship difficulties, family challenges, and employment-related stress. These pressures have been intensified by the cost-of-living crisis.
The service has demonstrated clear impact. Between September 2024 and August 2025, 86% of clients recorded a reduction in anxiety by the end of treatment, while 93% recorded a reduction in depression.
In a client questionnaire completed this year, 48 out of 90 clients responded, with 93% reporting satisfaction with the service they received.
Support from the Haslers Foundation highlights the value of local partnerships in strengthening community wellbeing. By funding ACEF’s work, the Foundation is helping more people in financial hardship access vital counselling support by providing 100 individual counselling sessions to users of their service. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving mental health and making support accessible to those who need it most.
