In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for accessible mental health services became more urgent than ever. In response, Cudox – a counselling and wellbeing service based in Grimsby – began expanding its community offer. What started as a small initiative has since grown into a vital support system for individuals across North East Lincolnshire, particularly those falling through the cracks of statutory provision.
Cudox now provides affordable, open-ended therapy and community-based group programmes designed to build long-term resilience. With a team of 11 therapists, including 5-6 student counsellors, the organisation offers both paid and volunteer-led sessions from its comfortable and welcoming town centre location.
“Our focus is on the people who don’t meet statutory thresholds but still need support,” explains Lucy, a freelance bid writer working closely with the organisation. “We aim to fill the gaps – quickly, sustainably, and with real care.”
Lucy first connected with Cudox in 2022 after meeting Angie (one of the founders) at a local funding fair. Since then, she’s helped shape and secure funding bids to support their growing services, including adapting appointment fees with a sliding scale model to address financial hardship in the community.
In a recent meeting hosted by Our Future, Lucy joined local marketing and communications consultant Jose Davies to explore shared goals, funding opportunities, and community strategy. The conversation covered the evolution of a grassroots civic initiative that began in the East Marsh and now spans the whole borough—driven by local partnerships and national support.
Cudox is now part of this broader ecosystem, with a shared goal of increasing access, connection, and community-led support.
One exciting idea on the horizon is a town centre pop-up—a relaxed, welcoming space offering coffee and conversation for those who need someone to talk to. Cudox hopes this initiative will break down the stigma around mental health and provide an informal gateway into further support services.
The team is also exploring social enterprise models—such as a charity shop or pop up—to help fund free or subsidised counselling sessions, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and access for all.
“It’s all about consultation and collaboration,” says Lucy. “We want the people we support to shape the services they need.”
As a community connector, Our Future plays a vital role in bringing people, ideas, and funding together. The organisation is supporting North East Lincolnshire Council withthe £20 million funding allocation for Grimsby’s long-term community regeneration and continues to host networking events, social media promotion, and training to amplify the work of local partners like Cudox.
With a clear vision and strong partnerships, Cudox is continuing to grow as a trusted mental health support service rooted in the needs of local people. Their journey reflects the power of community-driven solutions, and their partnership with Our Future demonstrates how collaboration can unlock opportunity, access, and hope for North East Lincolnshire.
To find out more information on Cudox visit their website here