Trustees from the Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS) worked closely with the school to agree a licence to occupy the site from 2019, after securing funding from Persimmon Homes and the National Lottery, plus other generous donors.

Known as the Annabelle Davis Centre, the charity is proud to name actors Annabelle Davis and her father Warwick Davis as patrons, and has also benefitted from a wide range of support from the local community. 

The welcoming centre underwent a full refurbishment thanks to Persimmon Homes, turning what was formerly the school caretaker’s bungalow into an inviting place to offer free therapy sessions to young people and support for their families. 

Local artist Jeni Cairns, from Whittlesey helped design the garden, after listening to the centre’s vision for the green space. 

The carefully designed garden allows parents bringing their children to therapy sessions a space to sit and reflect. The charity also encourages the school to use the sensory garden as an outside classroom.

 An official opening was delayed due to the pandemic, but now a grand opening has been held and the centre hosted dozens of guests who enjoyed afternoon tea with staff and trustees, a tour of the facilities and the chance to meet Annabelle and Warwick. 

William de Yaxley school governor Mr Seb Hayes also attended the event. 

YPCS spokesperson Samantha Ronnay says: “We deeply appreciate the generous support from every business and donor involved in making our first Annabelle Davis Centre a reality. Their kindness means we can now provide local children and young people in Cambridgeshire a warm and welcoming centre where they can feel relaxed and supported through their emotional difficulties.” 

Annabelle Davis, who has starred in TV shows such as CBBC’s The Dumping Ground and is also known for her work as an artist, says: 

“I'm honoured to support YPCS as they develop The Annabelle Davis Centre. The work they do for young people within the community is amazing and is very much needed. The media's influence on young people today makes growing up far more challenging. Judgemental social media promotes ideas of perfection, instilling ideas of inadequacy and causing anxiety in young people through no fault of their own. The centre allows the YPCS to help even more individuals. It provides a safe place for young people to talk and realise that they are not alone.” 

Headteacher Kay Corley said: “The Young People’s Counselling Service at The Annabelle Davis Centre is a very important service to be able to offer this community. It’s reassuring to know that the expertise is onsite should we feel we need to refer any pupils and as a school, we are very happy to have been able to offer this space for such great use. It’s also wonderful that an official opening has been able to take place and we hope to be able to continue to support the centre’s work.” 

For more information on the service see The Young People's Counselling Service – Supporting Young People (ypcs.uk)