B2 is available to young people aged 11-18, and provides counselling to anyone that is not currently in education, does not have a service in their school, or does not want to access the service in their own school. The reality is that most are young people who are not regular attendees at school, or have left school early. It also covers the 16 – 18 year old range, where a number of young people can slip through the net, particularly if they have mild or moderate mental health problems that are undiagnosed.

Since its inception, B2 has helped 300+ young people in the Stockport area, and for some it has been transformational; changing the path in life they are taking for good.

Outcomes
In immediate terms, young people are more confident, understand themselves better, can better manage their emotions, and report improved relationships with others. In the slightly longer term, we see some young people returning to mainstream education, others taking up training at college, and others find employment. Occasionally, it has become clear that a young person has radically changed their life for the better as a result of the counselling. This is the most satisfying outcome and represents the core of what Beacon is trying to achieve in all its services.

Funding
Beacon has just completed a 3 year grant from BBC Children in Need, and we are very grateful to them for the lifeline they have to B2 several years ago, when the then funder closed suddenly. We are currently applying for other funding.