COUNSELLING charity The Magdalene Project has opened a new suite of counselling rooms in Nelson.

Guests included Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson and Christine Kirk, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire. The opening ribbon was cut by Anna Lancaster of the Lancaster Foundation who kindly bequeathed the new building to the charity and are great supporters of the project.

The new premises at 28 Carr Road, is named Irene Alderson House after the co-founder and will help serve the needs of those based in the area.

The independent Christian counselling service was set up in recognition of present day needs in our society and gives a professional and confidential service to all in need of help. 

It deals with a wide range of issues, specialising in abuse and trauma.

It is funded mainly by donations and grants, and has recently won a Children in Need bid which runs for three years.

Co-founder Irene said: “We are delighted to open these counselling rooms in Nelson which are greatly needed. I am honoured to have had this building named after me and would like to say a big thank you to the Lancaster Foundation for all their support.”

The Magdalene Project recently won an Queens Award for Voluntary Service, equivalent to an MBE, ‘For providing specialised therapy for all people, ages, ethnicity and faiths dealing with trauma crossing all boundaries’ which will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire on July 22 at County Hall in Preston.

It was one of only six to receive the award in Lancashire.