Hertfordshire-based local signage and visual communications specialists,  FASTSI GNS St Albans , has partnered with counselling charity,  You th Talk , to support its ongoing work in the community and its wider expansion plans.

After being limited by the space of its former headquarters, with a growing number of young people needing a safe space to talk about their worries and concerns, Youth Talk has moved into a new facility, complete with eight therapy rooms - an increase from four in its previous location.

Now situated on London Road, Youth Talk provides free confidential advice to 13 - 25 year olds in the local district and surrounding areas. This year, it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Supporting its five year strategy to double service provision, FASTSIGNS’ team of signage specialists manufactured and installed the visual aesthetic at the charity’s new home, including full exterior signage, window and door frosting.

The partnership was not limited to signage, managing director of FASTSIGNS St Albans, Lee Simpson, also took part in a half-marathon on behalf of the Youth Talk team, raising £700 for the charity to fund 14 one-to-one counselling sessions.

Commenting on his work with Youth Talk, Lee Simpson, said:

“We’re proud to have played a role in supporting local charity, Youth Talk, with its plans for growth.

“Signage can make a real difference to any environment. So, to have been involved in making their new space feel more like ‘home’, and a place that service users feel comfortable to share their thoughts in, is hugely important. I’m also honoured to have completed the half-marathon on their behalf, raising money that will go towards essential services like private counselling sessions.”

Commenting on the project, Rachel Simkin, fundraising manager at Youth Talk, added:

“Lee and his team at FASTSIGNS St Albans have gone above and beyond to ensure our signage needs have been met.

“We have recently moved to our new home on London Road, as part of an ambitious five year strategy to double our service provision. This move has enabled us to strive towards meeting the growing number of young people needing support within our community - numbers which have grown since the pandemic.

“It’s great to have a local business actively offering their skills, technical expertise and services to help other organisations, like us, in St Albans flourish. It’s collaborations like these that empower our team to continue carrying out their all-important work, in a safe and comfortable space.”

To further support Youth Talk’s fundraising events, the FASTSIGNS St Albans team also provided multiple pull-up banners and large feather flags which will be used to raise the charity’s brand awareness when attending local events, or those further afield.