This International Women’s Day, we’re reflecting on how one woman’s compassion and determination grew into a community of support that continues to change lives.
For Sue Doughty, our founder and CEO, the journey began with a deeply personal experience. At just 18, she watched a close family member go through a serious mental health crisis. It was a frightening and isolating time, but it also revealed something powerful – the difference that compassionate support can make. The care her family received stayed with her, and she often describes her drive as a simple wish to “pay it forward.”
Sue began volunteering at her local hospital, sitting with patients and offering emotional support. It was in these quiet, human moments that she realised her calling: to work with the mind. After retraining as a counsellor, she co-founded Westmeria over 20 years ago with a clear mission to make counselling accessible and affordable for everyone.
From the very beginning, Westmeria was built to break down barriers. Sue challenged the idea that therapy was only for a few, creating a donation-based model so that cost would never stand in the way of someone seeking help. The charity was rooted in community, dignity and shared responsibility. These values still guide us today.
What began in a single room has grown into a charity offering compassionate support to over 4,000 adults since 2003, providing both low-cost and private counselling services for people facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and more.
We now have around 100 counsellors delivering hundreds of sessions each week and a training college nurturing the next generation of therapists. Every session delivered, every donation made and every volunteer hour given carries forward Sue’s ethos: that accessible mental health support helps individuals to regain autonomy, self-worth and choice.
This International Women’s Day, we’re incredibly proud of the difference we make together supporting hearts and minds, strengthening families, and building a kinder, more resilient community.