Youth Charities Benefit from Amy Croft's Mayoral Term
Over £4,000 in support raised during her year in office
Accepting a fundraising cheque for HYCS. Left to right:, Seth Ashby-Hawkins – HYCS’ Youth Ambassador, Maria David – HYCS’ Service Manager, Gill Young – HYCS Senior Counsellor & Comm’s Manager with Hounslow Borough’s Past Mayor Croft
July 15, 2026
Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS) has received more than £4,300 following a year of dedicated support from former Mayor Amy Croft, who selected the charity as one of her official causes during her 2025–26 mayoral term. The donation was formally presented this week, marking the end of a year-long partnership that has raised both vital funds and awareness of young people’s mental health needs across the borough.
At a cheque presentation on 15 July, Amy Croft handed over £4,391.44 to HYCS, raised through a programme of community events, fundraisers and civic activities held throughout her mayoralty. HYCS shared the Mayor’s support with Hogarth Youth & Community Centre on Duke Road in Chiswick, the second of her chosen charities.
The money will help HYCS continue providing free, confidential counselling to young people aged 11–25 living, studying or working in Hounslow. Demand for the service continues to grow: in the past year alone, HYCS supported more than 600 young people and delivered 6,265 counselling sessions across its main centre, eight secondary schools, Feltham Young Offender Institution, and targeted outreach programmes for care leavers and young people involved with the Youth Justice Service.
Maria David, HYCS Service Manager, said the Mayor’s backing had made a meaningful difference. “We are incredibly grateful to former Mayor Amy Croft for choosing HYCS as one of her Mayoral charities and for her enthusiasm, commitment and support throughout the year,” she said. “The funds raised will make a real difference to the lives of young people in Hounslow, while the awareness generated has helped spotlight the importance of youth mental health and the work we do every day.”
Amy Croft said supporting HYCS had been one of the most rewarding parts of her mayoral year. “I have seen first-hand the incredible work the charity does to provide young people with a safe space to talk and the support they need to improve their mental wellbeing,” she said. “The work they do is truly life changing for some and life saving for others. I would like to thank everyone who attended events, donated and helped raise this fantastic amount.”
HYCS staff and youth ambassador Seth Ashby-Hawkins joined the former Mayor for the cheque presentation, celebrating a partnership that has strengthened community understanding of the pressures facing young people and the importance of accessible mental health support.
HYCS, founded in 1987, has supported nearly 17,000 young people over almost 40 years, delivering more than 150,000 counselling sessions. The charity continues to operate as an independent, self-referral service for vulnerable young people aged 11–25 in Hounslow.
More information about HYCS can be found at www.hycscounselling.co.uk or by contacting the service on 020 8568 1818.
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