Press release: Gloucestershire young people’s mental health charity rebrands

Monday 14th April 2025

A Gloucestershire young people's mental health charity today (Monday 14th April 2025) changes its name from TIC+ to Talk Well, to ensure more 9-25 year olds in the area feel included and able to access its free counselling and support.

The charity found that Talk Well’s previous name, TIC+ and before that Teens in Crisis, was a barrier to children and young people accessing its support because it suggested it only helps teenagers in crisis, rather than 9 to 25 year olds with talking therapies at whatever stage they need it.

Information gathered from each of the 3,111 9-25 year olds it supported with counselling in Gloucestershire last year reveals that anxiety, worry or stress was the most common issue facing their clients and was experienced by 78% of those surveyed. This was followed by family relationship problems which were experienced by more than one in three (40%). It also found that more than one in 10 (13%) of the young people it supported last year have plans, have made attempts, or have thoughts about ending their life. (1)

With one in five (20.3%) of children and young people aged eight to 25 in England experiencing mental problems, an increase from one in nine in 2017, the charity’s work has never been more needed (2).

Claire Power-Browne, CEO of Talk Well (formerly TIC+), said: “We are proud of our work and achievements over the last 30 years, originally as Teens in Crisis, and it is vital that we continue to deliver this important work. We are determined to reach many more children and young people over the next 30 years and beyond. That’s why we have changed our name and branding – to make sure everyone who needs our help knows we are here for them.

“Our name, logo, and colours may have changed, but our heart remains the same. We believe in creating a safe space where no problem is too big or too small. And we’re here to support each and every young person who comes to us, helping them to find ways to cope. Talk Well is a place where children and young people can feel safe and be heard.  We are here for them – to listen and to talk, well.”  

Islay, 17,  was referred to Talk Well (then called TIC+) by her school when she was 15 years old. She said: “I was in the run up to my GCSEs and trying to navigate society, school, friends, family. I was finding it really difficult and didn’t realise how much it was getting to me.  One day at school I felt it was getting too much, I’d started to have panic attacks, and I didn’t know where to turn. Luckily, I was able to see a counsellor from Talk Well.

“The sessions started straight away, and it was such a relief to have somebody to talk to. I really enjoyed speaking with the counsellor, it was such an open, judgement-free space and easy to talk. I had never struggled before so didn’t know how to get myself through it. The counsellor taught me coping skills, like breathing exercises, to help with panic. Learning that the feelings and reactions aren’t anything to be scared of, along with simple ways of feeling calmer, has been such a huge help.

“I’m doing my A levels now, which is a stressful time too, and I still sometimes get panicky feelings. But now I know how to calm myself down and manage them. I do the special breathing techniques I was taught and it really helps. It’s made such a difference with doing my A levels. I know the signs of stress to look out for and when to take a break from studies.

“I didn’t realise how much counselling would benefit me. I didn’t realise I was someone who needed that extra help. But it’s made such a big difference for me. If anybody else is struggling I hope they find something like Talk Well too.”

Working with branding agency, Creative Concern, Talk Well (formerly TIC+) consulted young people across Gloucestershire as well as their parents, carers, staff and partners, including the NHS, to ensure the new identity was deeply informed by their views and experiences.  This input resulted in the new name, Talk Well, which better communicates its purpose and connects with children and young people who need a safe space to talk and be heard – to ‘talk well’.  

Islay is now part of the Talk Well Young People’s Voices Group – a panel of 9-25 year olds who advise the charity from the perspective of young people. They were consulted at key points during the rebranding process to ensure it was right for the young people who Talk Well exists to support. They meet around every three weeks via Zoom.

Islay said: “I joined the group because I was grateful to have Talk Well when I needed them. It’s completely separate from the counselling and I get loads out of it. I meet new people and learn about things outside of school and my other interests.

“It was exciting to be part of the rebrand work and asked to share my views and ideas. I think of us as test subjects for the different names and colours. It was a really interesting project to be involved with.

“I really love the new branding. It’s so rewarding to see it live now, knowing I genuinely played a part in it. The fact that Talk Well involves us to help tailor their work to better help young people shows me how serious they are about making a difference.”

The charity helped 4,000 people last year, including 3,666 children and young people with 3,111 receiving counselling, 344 anonymous support, 211 online workshops. It also provided advice and support services to 334 parents and carers. It will celebrate its 30th anniversary in July.

Anyone wanting to find out more, including access help and support, can visit www.talkwell.org.uk.

(1) From Talk Well (formerly TIC+) data gathered from the 3,111 children and young people they supported between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. Data is collected by the charity at point of referral and at the end of the counselling sessions. This data is used to help track prevalence of issues and to inform additional services and training, as well as inform and support wider workforce Annual Report 2023/24.

(2) Mental Health of Children and Young People Surveys, NHS England. Latest survey November 2023 .

About Talk Well

Talk Well (formerly TIC+) have been supporting young people and their families in Gloucestershire since 1993, becoming a registered charity in 1994. Last year, 4,000 children, young people and families used their free counselling and mental health support services to help them cope. The charity supports young people with issues such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, anger, relationship problems, low self-esteem and self-harm. They also provide a suite of services to support families such as free parent support groups and a parent support and advice line. Talk Well is a British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited Counselling Service and adheres to their Ethical Framework. Talk Well (an operating name of Let’s Talk Well) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1045429).

● For help and support for children and young people aged 9-25 and their families call 01594 372777.

● TalkWellChat is a free anonymous telephone and online support service open Sunday-Thursday between 5pm-9pm for children and young people living in Gloucestershire aged between 9-25 on 0300 3038080.

● The Parent Support and Advice line phone number is 0800 6525675.

About Creative Concern

For 20 years Creative Concern has been working with incredible charity and not for profit organisations, creating compelling, issues-based communications to make the world a better, more sustainable place.  A creative agency based in Manchester, where great ideas and good values go hand in hand, they’re passionate about using their skills to activate change. They deliver real impact for their clients - from brand creation to behaviour change campaigning, and fundraising to educating and inspiring people on a range of issues. And importantly, making a genuine positive difference.  For a snapshot of Creative Concern's work, visit: https://creativeconcern.com/

‍