Bristol’s Willow Tree Centre has been a beacon of support for women and families navigating the often difficult waters of unplanned pregnancies, baby loss and post-abortion care.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the centre all began with a nurse’s dream. Joy Fussell, one of the founding figures behind the Willow Tree Centre, explained: “Every day, women find out they are pregnant. For some, it’s a dream come true. But for others, a positive pregnancy test is a source of anxiety and distress.
“I was working as a nurse in a Bristol hospital, and many of the women I cared for were unsure about their pregnancies, some coming in for abortions but needing someone to talk to. I realised there wasn’t any kind of service available for these women, and that was where the vision for Willow Tree was born.”
What started as a simple idea has grown into a compassionate service offering non-judgmental support, helping women make informed decisions about their pregnancies. “The aim was always to provide a safe place where decisions weren’t made in panic, and women could have time and space to think through their options.”
Since its beginnings, the Willow Tree Centre has grown to offer a wide range of services, all while staying true to its founding ethos of non-directive care.
Helen Webb, another former centre manager added: “It took us a year to raise the necessary funds, find a location, and train our practitioners before we could even open our doors. Once we did, we were able to offer support not only for unplanned pregnancies but also for women and families dealing with various types of pregnancy loss, whether that was miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.”
One of the most significant achievements has been the development of educational programmes for young people. “We purchased ‘Virtual Babies’ to use in schools,” Helen says.
“It was part of a wider initiative to give pupils an idea of what it’s really like to care for a newborn. Alongside that, we worked on a sex and relationship education programme to help reduce teenage pregnancies, as part of the government’s vision at the time.”
The centre’s outreach extended beyond schools. “We provided support at Eastwood Park Prison and developed a sexual health and parenting course for the juvenile unit there. We’ve also offered support for individuals with learning difficulties, ensuring that our services are available to as many people as possible.”
In the two decades since its opening, the Willow Tree Centre has supported thousands. “From 2005 to 2024, we’ve had 2,665 new client enquiries and provided nearly 9,000 support sessions to women, men, and couples,” Helen shares. “And we’re still growing.”
Running a charity comes with its fair share of obstacles. Helen Adair, the current Centre Director, explained financial constraints are a constant concern. “One of our biggest challenges is raising the funds we need to keep our services free. We rely heavily on grants and donations, and it can be tough to secure enough to cover everything.”
Another issue is raising awareness about what the centre does. “It’s essential for people to understand that we’re here, and that the support we offer is completely unbiased and professional,” Helen adds.
The centre’s commitment to impartiality is unwavering. “Our practitioners undergo regular training, and many have completed accredited courses in Pregnancy Choices Support and Post-abortion Support. We adhere to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s code of ethics, and that’s something we’re very proud of.”
Helen says that ensuring the service remains free, confidential, and accessible to everyone in need is always at the forefront of their mission. “We offer three types of support: for pregnancy choices, baby loss and post-abortion clients. Whether it’s over the phone, via Zoom, or in person, our priority is to provide a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their feelings and options.”
The success of the Willow Tree Centre is, in large part, due to the dedication of its volunteers. “We are completely reliant on grants and donations to stay open, and our volunteers give their time freely without asking for any payment,” Helen explains. “They are the lifeblood of the centre. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to function.”
For those who want to get involved, there are many opportunities. “We’re always looking for new volunteers, whether it’s helping with fundraising, serving as trustees, or offering direct support to clients,” Helen says. “We provide training, and we’re especially keen to have people join who have medical backgrounds or experience with fundraising.”
Volunteers aren’t the only way to help. Donations play a crucial role in keeping the centre’s services free of charge. “Every penny goes towards ensuring we can continue to support our clients. Whether it’s paying for our lease, insurance, or phone lines, it all adds up.”
As the Willow Tree Centre celebrates its 20th anniversary, Helen looks ahead with hope and determination. “Our aim is to continue providing specialist support to those who need it most. We’d love to expand our team of volunteers, get them fully trained, and ensure our services remain of the highest professional standard.”
She acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. “Sadly, we do have a waiting list, but the more trained practitioners we have, the more clients we can support. That’s what keeps us going.”
When asked about the centre’s impact on the Bristol community over the past two decades, Helen said: “The Willow Tree Centre has touched the lives of so many families. We’ve received feedback from clients who have gone from feeling hopeless to finding joy in life again. That’s what it’s all about—helping people see that there is hope, even in the darkest times.”
For Helen her role at the centre is more than just a job, it’s a calling. “I’ve been in this role for just over a year now, but I’ve been involved in similar work for much longer. Before this, I helped establish a centre in Cheltenham called The Well Pregnancy Choices Centre, and that’s where I really started to see the impact this kind of support can have.”
Reflecting on the most rewarding aspects of her job, Helen says, “It’s such a privilege to support clients through one of the most difficult times in their lives and to witness their transformation. Seeing them move from a place of grief, guilt, and anger to a place of hope is truly an honour.”
Helen has learned valuable lessons about leadership in her time at the helm. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all. Delegating tasks and setting boundaries are essential when you’re running an organisation like this. It’s something I’m still working on.”
As she looks to the future, Helen shares her hopes for the centre. “We want to keep growing and keep supporting as many people as possible. We’re always striving to improve and make sure that our services are the best they can be.”
As the Willow Tree Centre continues its journey, the team has one message for the Bristol community: they are here for anyone in need.
“If you’re struggling with a difficult pregnancy choice, baby loss or post-abortion trauma, please reach out,” Helen urged. “We’re here to help, and we want to support you through whatever you’re going through.”
With 20 years of experience, a dedicated team of volunteers, and a clear mission, the Willow Tree Centre remains a vital part of Bristol’s support network – a place where compassion, understanding, and hope are always in abundant supply.