ALTON mayor Matthew Bayliss joined other guests to enjoy a garden party in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House in Church Street, Alton.

The event, held to support Alton Counselling Service (ACS), was staged by a new friends group set up to help raise funds and promote the work done by ACS counsellors.

For more than 40 years, the service has provided help when most needed to residents of the town, making it one of the oldest such organisations in the country.

Residents can call upon ACS for help when facing challenging life experiences as its counsellors see people of all ages, as individuals or in couples, and has specialist counsellors who work with young people.

In his address, theMayor Bayliss praised the service and said he wanted to support the Friends group to ensure ACS continues to provide affordable counselling for everyone.

New members of the Friends of ACS are always welcome.

It’s an enjoyable way to meet new people and support the service

in its important work.

For further information, email friends@alton counselling.org.uk or visit The Friends of Alton Counselling Facebook page. talk to a counsellor or if you are worried about someone else, call Alton Counselling Service on 01420 89207.