About Catalyst Support
Catalyst Support is a Surrey-based charity committed to promoting mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and resilience across local communities. Through a combination of community support services and specialist outreach programmes, Catalyst works with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, from mental health crises and substance use to exploitation, trauma, and social isolation.
Established in 1989, guided by the belief that wellness is a right for all, Catalyst Support embodies its motto, Supporting Wellness Together, by empowering individuals and communities with innovative, accessible services. With embedded values of kindness, integrity, and commitment, the charity strives to create sustainable, transformative social impact.
Community Services
Catalyst delivers a range of accessible, trauma-informed support to help individuals feel connected, empowered, and wellbeing:
· Mental Health Services: Safe Havens offer out-of-hours crisis support, while GP-integrated mental health practitioners and wellbeing groups help people build coping strategies, stay connected, and recover in community settings.
· Substance Use Support: One-to-one counselling, group sessions, and family support services help individuals affected by drug and alcohol use find strength in recovery.
· Wellbeing Activities: Catalyst Support emphasises community involvement through volunteer opportunities, wellbeing groups, and initiatives like community gardening, which promote social connection and personal growth.
Specialist & Outreach Services
Catalyst goes further to reach individuals facing complex and hidden issues through targeted, culturally sensitive programmes such as:
· Cuckooing Outreach: A dedicated service to identify and support individuals whose homes are being exploited by criminal networks, often in connection with drug use, coercion, or vulnerability.
· Women’s Support Centre: A safe and specialist space offering counselling, trauma recovery, SMART recovery groups, art therapy, and support for women involved in the criminal justice system.
· LGBTQ+ and Cultural Inclusion: The Outline listening service offers safe, non-judgemental support for LGBTQ+ individuals, while the Shifa Network works with ethnically diverse women to build confidence and independence through wellbeing activities, ESOL classes, and cultural integration.
Accessibility
All services are confidential, free and accessible via self-referral or through professionals such as GPs. Their approach is trauma-informed, person-centred, and available both in-person and online.
Catalyst Support's Challenges
Catalyst Support is currently navigating several challenges as it continues to provide essential mental health and wellbeing services to the community.
Rising Demand for Services
The charity has observed a significant increase in demand for its services, particularly in mental health support. This surge is attributed to factors such as the cost-of-living crisis, economic instability, and social isolation, which have exacerbated issues like anxiety, depression, and substance misuse among residents.
Resource Constraints
Despite the growing need, Catalyst Support faces limitations in resources. For instance, their counselling services, which offer up to 24 free sessions, have experienced long waiting lists due to high demand. The organisation is seeking additional funding to recruit and train more counsellors to meet this demand.
Awareness and Outreach
Another challenge is raising awareness about the breadth of services offered. Many individuals are unaware that Catalyst Support provides free, trauma-informed support across various areas, including mental health, substance misuse, and specialised outreach programmes. Enhancing visibility is crucial to ensure those in need can access these services.
Volunteer and Staff Recruitment
With over 150 employees and more than 100 volunteers, they rely heavily on dedicated personnel to deliver its programmes. However, attracting and retaining volunteers and staff, especially for specialised roles, remains a challenge. The charity is actively seeking local businesses and individuals to support and participate in its initiatives.
Catalyst Support's Achievements
Catalyst Support has been a cornerstone of mental health and wellbeing services in Surrey since 1989, delivering impactful, inclusive, and trauma-informed support to individuals and communities across the county.
Throughout their history, they have adapted to meet changing needs. Key milestones include expanding mental health and specialist outreach services, introducing innovative programmes, and building strong partnerships with local authorities, healthcare providers, and fellow charities. They are proud to have played a leading role in raising awareness of mental health and promoting social inclusion across the county.
As one of the three lead providers of the Surrey-wide Community Connections service, Catalyst Support offers a comprehensive range of support services. These services aim to improve lives in terms of stability and wellbeing, reducing harm to individuals, their families, and the community.
Through their Cuckooing support service, they assist individuals whose homes are exploited by criminal gangs, offering tailored support to reclaim their safety and autonomy. The team are actively working with the Home Office to support the guidance when cuckooing becomes a crime in 2026.
Catalyst actively collaborates with various organisations to enhance community wellbeing:
Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) and VCSE Alliance: Catalyst Support’s CEO, Sue Murphy, serves as a panel member, and workforce portfolio lead respectively, contributing to the allocation of funds for local charities aimed at preventing mental ill health and enhancing emotional wellbeing across Surrey.
Volunteer Programmes: Engaging over 100 volunteers in roles ranging from community gardening to running the charity’s book and vinyl store, nurturing community involvement and support,
These partnerships and volunteer efforts amplify Catalyst’s impact, extending its reach and effectiveness within the community.
Catalyst Support
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