Why We Exist
COGS was created because we believe every young person should have access to emotional support when they need it.
Life can be exciting, challenging, confusing and overwhelming — sometimes all at once. Young people today face pressures from many different directions, including education, work, relationships, family life, social media, uncertainty about the future and the everyday challenge of finding their place in the world.
For some, these pressures can feel overwhelming. Yet accessing support is often difficult, with long waiting lists and limited services meaning many young people struggle to find help when they need it most.
COGS exists to help bridge that gap.
We provide free, confidential counselling for young people aged 12–25 across Faringdon and the surrounding communities, offering a safe and supportive space where young people can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences with a trained counsellor.
Our aim is simple: to ensure that no young person has to face life's challenges alone.
Our Story
2021
How COGS Began
COGS began in 2021 as a local counselling project, created in response to a growing need for accessible emotional wellbeing support for young people in Faringdon and the surrounding area.
What started as a small local service grew as more young people, families, schools and community organisations sought support. Over the following years, COGS expanded its counselling provision, developed strong local partnerships and supported hundreds of young people through one to one counselling.
2026
Growing Into a Charity
In 2026, COGS became an independent registered charity, giving the organisation a strong foundation from which to continue developing support for young people in the local community.
While COGS has grown, our focus remains the same: providing compassionate, professional counselling that puts young people at the centre of everything we do.
COGS Today
Local. Independent. Focused on young people.
COGS is an independent registered charity providing free counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 across Faringdon and surrounding communities.
Free counselling
No charge to young people or families.
Ages 12 to 25
Support through adolescence and early adulthood.
Local support
For Faringdon and surrounding communities.