Low-cost counselling services are to be made available on a second Oxford estate because of increased demand.

The Listening Centre - known as TLC - has helped hundreds of people deal with their problems since it was set up 15 years ago.

The centre hosts five sessions a week at the Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre in Blackbird Leys.

But, from the start of next month, volunteers will also welcome people to the Rose Hill Children's Centre in The Oval.

Margaret Jacobson, manager of TLC, said: "We are really excited. We have always had clients from Rose Hill and Littlemore.

"People sometimes think you are weak if you go for counselling and that you should be able to pull yourself together and get on with life, but that is not always the case.

"Rather than a sign of weakness, getting counselling is a sign of strength that you are committed to looking after yourself and your family."

Ms Jacobson said a team of 16 volunteers saw about 50 people a week at the centre.

Appointment-only sessions at the family centre in Blackbird Leys run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tuesday to Thursday and from noon until 5.30pm on Mondays only.

The weekly sessions in Rose Hill will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesdays, although the charity has yet to determine an exact start date for these sessions.

People using the service range in ages from 18 to the mid 70s and are only expected to provide a small donation for an appointment, Ms Jacobson said.

Problems discussed have included bereavement, violent relationships, depression, bullying and anxiety.

Ms Jacobson said: "We are fairly unique in Oxford in terms of the range of counselling approaches we have available and the fact we are very low cost.

"Counselling is not about giving advice and giving answers. It is much more about providing a space where the client can talk through their issues and their emotions and be supported in finding different ways of dealing with things."

"The centre makes a tremendous difference. We are providing counselling for those people who would not normally be able to afford psychotherapy."

To find out more about volunteering, using the service, or contributing towards the £50,000 annual running costs, call 01865 794 794.