CHURCH House in Farnham provides the homely setting for Options, a new pregnancy crisis centre.

The outlet offers expert emotional support for women faced with the pressures of an unplanned pregnancy, or who may be struggling post-abortion.

Inside, the reception area is spacious, cream-coloured and furnished simply with beige sofas and wooden tables. Adjacent to this, is a small, cosy room where the actual counselling takes place.

The sessions usually take an hour and those in need of support and advice are in the very capable hands of Geraldine Jamison.

A former nurse and trained counsellor, Geraldine was inspired to set up the centre after helping a young girl who was desperately in need of someone to talk to, following an abortion.

After providing a non-judgemental and sympathetic ear, she realised that her advice and support could make a substantial difference to others in similar situations.

She explains how many women faced with these difficulties, often feel very confused and ashamed. For this reason, they feel more comfortable talking to a stranger who is likely to be objective and less judgemental than a close relative.

Some rely on this kind of support alone, and choose not to tell their relatives or close friends, although where possible Geraldine encourages relatives to come to the sessions.

With so much media hype surrounding the rise in number of teenage pregnancies, it is interesting to discover that 'typical' visitors to the centre are, in fact,successful career woman in their thirties, scared and confused over their unplanned pregnancies.

Crucially, the centre remains neutral on the abortion issue. Rather than offer solutions, the centre gives options and advice.

Geraldine stresses that it is the woman's decision whether or not to have an abortion and she is there to simply listen and support rather than find solutions and instruct.

She feels it is crucial to highlight all the options open to them; options they may not have considered, such as having the baby adopted.

Perhaps the most saddening aspect of the work is helping women to overcome post-abortion syndrome.

Some women suffering from post-abortion syndrome continue with the counselling for more than four months and Geraldine feels that the sense of loss never really goes away.

She cites an example of a woman approaching the menopause, who realised she was no longer able to have children.

The finality of the situationresurrected memories of an abortion she had as a teenager and she became deeply distressed, benefiting greatly from the centre's help.

The hardest aspect of getting over an abortion is that, unlike a conventional death, there is no funeral and therefore people find it difficult to go through the usual grieving process.

Geraldine suggests practical methods to help the woman come to terms with the loss of a child, such as writing a letter to the unborn baby.

She suggested this to a young girl who was deeply distressed and the process provided an outlet in which to channel her grief and emotions.

The job is emotionally demanding but rewarding and Geraldine and the other counsellors are committed to providing this much-needed support and information.

They do not charge for the service, and the pregnancy tests are free. The centre relies on donations and gift aid.

Options (helpline 01252 820 235) is to be launched publicly on Friday, April 27, with a lunchtime reception at Church House between 11-30 am-2 pm. MP Virginia Bottomley will be attending the event and anyone is welcome providing they telephone in advance.