Training for Counsellors named Counselling Training Provider of the Year 2025/26

Blackburn based Training for Counsellors have been named Counselling Training Provider of the Year 2025/26 in the North of England Prestige Awards.

The Prestige Awards celebrate businesses and individuals who are making a real and lasting difference in their community. Each nomination is reviewed with care, considering publicly sourced information including reviews, testimonials, values, branding, website content and social media presence, along with other materials submitted during the application.

Training for Counsellors was founded in 2023 by owner and course facilitator Samantha Crapnell.

The company provides a collaborative, experiential, accessible and transformative approach to learning for trained counsellors as well as counsellors in training.

Samantha said: “We felt honoured to be considered alongside so many inspiring organisations in this category. Finding out that we had made the top five was an incredible moment for the whole team, a genuine cause for celebration.

"It was amazing to know that our values, approach and commitment were being recognised. Then to discover that we had won, was a truly unforgettable moment. To know that our work, our ethos and our passion had stood out among so many exceptional providers was overwhelming. It reassured us that what we’re doing really is making a difference in the counselling community.”

Attending the awards ceremony at the Village Hotel Leeds North, was Samantha, Linsey, Zara and Zoe.

Samantha said: “Holding that award, I felt the warmth and support of everyone who’s been part of this journey.

“I am proud of our facilitators, assessors, the people working tirelessly behind the scenes, and grateful for every single dedicated practitioner and organisation who’s joined our courses and CPD sessions.”

Training for Counsellors have built all their courses, CPD and online learning opportunities on connection, courage, curiosity and a shared commitment to making counselling training meaningful and accessible.

Samantha said: “None of this would have been possible without the dedication and heart of our team. I’m so proud to work alongside such talented, wholehearted people, and to have witnessed the growth and development of so many participants who have joined our courses.

"I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings. We have so much planned, and this award has given us even more energy and excitement for the future.”