How a small charity with a big heart is making a lasting difference, proudly supported by Tatton Estate.
For 25 years, Just Drop In has been a lifeline for children and young people in Cheshire, helping them navigate life’s challenges with resilience, confidence and hope. With offices in Macclesfield and Knutsford, the charity provides free, accessible counselling and wellbeing support to anyone aged 13 to 25 who needs it.
This year marks an important milestone. Not only is Just Drop In celebrating its silver anniversary, but the charity has also reaffirmed its commitment to Knutsford, maintaining a strong presence in the town thanks in part to support from Tatton Estate. Through a concession on office rent, the Estate has helped ensure the charity can continue offering vital services locally, so young people do not have to travel far to get the help they need.
What They Do
At its core, Just Drop In exists to support young people who are “finding life hard.” From anxiety and low self-esteem to the pressures of school, family and friendships, the charity offers a safe, confidential space where children and young people can talk, feel heard and access professional help.
Services are free of charge and include:
Chief Officer Ann Wright explains:
“Each year, we support over 1,000 young people and we adapt our services based on what children and families tell us they need. Our mission is to give young people choice, about where, when and how they are seen and to meet those needs as best we can.”
Who They Help
The charity supports children and young people aged 13 to 25. Some are struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, while others need a safe place to talk about issues at school, at home, or with friends. Parents are also supported through dedicated courses and workshops that provide practical skills for managing the impact of mental health challenges within the family.
Volunteers play a huge role in extending this support. With 16 staff members and more than 60 volunteers, Just Drop In runs on the goodwill, skills and dedication of local people who contribute their time as counsellors, mentors, wellbeing practitioners, fundraisers, or behind-the-scenes helpers.
How to Access Services
Appointments are offered in flexible locations and times:
Ann is keen to stress that Just Drop In is about removing barriers: “We know life is busy. That is why we provide evening and weekend appointments and we make sure young people can choose where and when they are seen. We want them to feel in control and welcomed from the moment they get in touch.”
Groups and Programmes
Alongside individual counselling, Just Drop In offers a range of group programmes tailored to meet the needs of young people and their families.
Commenting Ann said: “We are so excited to bring mentoring to Knutsford. If you are a young person who feels a bit lost, we can match you with a mentor who will support you for the long term. It is about giving young people steady, reliable encouragement.”
Chief Officer Ann Wright: Leading with Passion
Ann Wright has been Chief Officer at Just Drop In for 12 years. With a background in youth work and more than 25 years’ experience in the sector before joining the charity, she brings deep knowledge and heartfelt commitment to her role.
For Ann, the work is a privilege. “Every day we see some of the difficulties in the world, but we also see the wonderful joys that make a difference in children’s lives. It is a beautiful and special place to work. We really do make a difference and we can make a difference for you if you get in touch.”
Her leadership has been instrumental in developing new services and growing the charity’s reach, all while keeping its ethos simple: to listen, to care and to adapt to what young people need most.
Volunteers: The Lifeblood of the Charity
Ann is quick to acknowledge that Just Drop In would not be what it is without its volunteers: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. They support every aspect of what we do, from counselling and mentoring to wellbeing activities and IT. We are always looking for new people to join us, especially here in Knutsford.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the charity directly through the website to discuss opportunities.
Celebrating 25 Years
While it is difficult to count every young person helped since the charity began, Ann estimates that in the past five years alone, over 5,000 children and young people and parents have benefitted from its services. That is more than 1,000 each year, a testament to the charity’s reach and relevance.
This 25th anniversary year is not just about looking back, but also about looking forward. The charity is launching the new mentoring programme in Knutsford, expanding group work and continuing to evolve in response to the needs of the community.
Proudly Supported by Tatton Estate
The charity’s ability to maintain its Knutsford office has been strengthened through a partnership with Tatton Estate, which is proud to support Just Drop In through a concession on rent. This partnership is part of the Estate’s core Community programme which seeks to support the local community through initiatives including mental health support.
Pete Crowther, CEO of Tatton Estate, said: “We are proud to stand alongside Just Drop In and their incredible work with children and young people in Knutsford. For 25 years, the charity has been a trusted lifeline for local families and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping ensure these vital services continue.”
Looking Ahead
As Just Drop In looks to the future, one thing is clear: the need for its services remains as strong as ever. With a dedicated team, a thriving base of volunteers and the support of the community and partners like Tatton Estate, the charity is well-placed to continue its mission for another 25 years and beyond.
For more information or to access services, visit www.justdropin.co.uk or call 01625 665079.
