Jo Allen, chief executive of The Counselling and Family Centre in Hale, has described receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List as a "huge honour".
For over 20 years, Jo has dedicated herself to providing accessible counselling and emotional support to individuals and families across Trafford and Greater Manchester.
Beginning as a volunteer counsellor, she has built The Counselling and Family Centre into a vibrant community hub supporting over 2,500 people a year through face-to-face and remote therapy and training programmes.
She was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) - which recognises hands-on service to the community and local ‘unsung heroes’ whose work has made a significant difference - for her outstanding service to mental health and the local community.
Jo said: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award, but the truth is, this recognition belongs to the whole team.
"I’m proud of what we’ve built together at The Counselling and Family Centre, which helps people feel heard, supported, and empowered. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I’m grateful daily for the opportunity to serve our community.”

Jo's work has helped ensure that those most in need, particularly people on low incomes and those in crisis, can access professional mental health support without delay.
Under her leadership, the charity has innovated new approaches to care, introduced school outreach, workplace mental health training, and even a therapeutic allotment space to promote emotional resilience.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jo rapidly transitioned the organisation to provide fully remote counselling services within five days, ensuring uninterrupted client support during unprecedented mental health needs.
Jonathan Moore, Chair, The Counselling and Family Centre, said: “Jo has poured her heart, soul, and every spare hour into this organisation.

"Her commitment, energy, and innovation are unparalleled and without her, The Counselling and Family Centre simply wouldn’t exist as it does today. This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the profound impact she’s had and continues to have on thousands of lives.”
The Counselling and Family Centre continues to support children, adults, families and communities through counselling, training, and outreach programmes.
Its model of means-based pricing and grant-funded access ensures that nobody is excluded from care due to financial constraints.