LOCAL MS Lynne Neagle visited Chepstow’s Basecamp Cooperative, one year after it moved into the new St Maur facility.

Basecamp, which started in 2018 as a housing cooperative, is currently developing an ethical letting agency to support people in private tenancies. It previously ran projects including a youth hub, a soup kitchen, and community and sustainability initiatives.

The team have developed a Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) accredited counselling training centre, offering counselling courses Levels 2, 3 and 4.

These courses are delivered in person, in small groups, with a strong emphasis on practical and experiential learning, alongside placement opportunities and lead to qualification as a counsellor.

Lynne Neagle MS said: ‘It was great to be shown around Basecamp’s centre in Chepstow when visiting them and to see their excellent work for the community.

“Thank you to the team at Basecamp for taking the time to meet me, and for their dedication to supporting people across Monmouthshire.

“I look forward to seeing Basecamp’s growth over the next few years.’

Basecamp also provides the trauma intervention ‘The Rewind’ to address the impact of trauma and PTSD. Basecamp doesn’t operate a waiting list and all clients are seen within two weeks of self-referral.

Working with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO), Basecamp are in their second year of running a regular adult neurodivergent support group in Chepstow.

The group provides a relaxed space for people to meet others, share experiences and build connections with people who may have similar experiences.

A pilot support group for young people aged 13–18 began in July of this year, creating a space where they can meet others, spend time together and explore things that may help them navigate everyday life.

More information can be found online.