Key Points
- AARC, a Paisley-based counselling charity, will host a fundraising night on Friday, May 22, 2026.
- The event is being held to raise funds for the charity’s free and low-cost counselling work in Paisley and Renfrew.
- Performances are scheduled from Berry Tweed and the Chasers and Rock Choir by Jen Bonnar.
- Two Towns Down Brewing is expected to supply alcoholic and soft drinks, and a raffle will also take place.
- A volunteer told Glasgow Live that AARC is staffed primarily by volunteers and also provides systemic counselling training.
- AARC says it provides affordable and free family, couples and individual counselling in a safe, inclusive space.
Paisley (Glasgow Express) May 11, 2026 – As reported by Glasgow Live, the event is being organised to support AARC, the adult and adolescent relational counselling charity based in Paisley and Renfrew, which says it provides free, low-cost and affordable counselling to local communities.
What is happening in Paisley?
AARC is preparing to stage a fundraising night in Paisley to help support its counselling services, with the event planned for Friday, May 22.
The charity says it works with adults, adolescents, couples and families, and that it aims to make support more accessible through affordable provision.
The event listing shows the concert is due to run from 6pm to 11pm at Re:Hope Church on Gordon Street in Paisley.
AARC’s own ticket page describes the organisation as a Paisley-based, non-profit counselling charity that provides affordable and free family, couples and individual counselling in a safe, inclusive space.
Who is involved in the event?
According to Glasgow Live’s report, Scotland’s longest-running Northern Soul, Soul, 60s and R&B band Berry Tweed and the Chasers will perform on the night.
The same report says Rock Choir by Jen Bonnar will also take part, adding live music to the fundraising programme.
The charity event will also include a raffle with prizes, while local brewery Two Towns Down Brewing is supplying alcoholic and soft drinks. The combination of music, drinks and raffle activity is intended to help raise money for the charity’s work.
Why is AARC fundraising?
As reported by Glasgow Live, a volunteer said the event is being staged to raise much-needed funds for AARC. The volunteer said the charity is small, based in Paisley and Renfrew, and is staffed primarily by volunteers at present.
The volunteer also said AARC aims to tackle the mental health crisis “at the core” by supporting families, adults and children, while also training local people in counselling skills.
The same quote states that AARC is the only place in Scotland offering systemic counselling training, allowing counsellors to work with individuals, couples and families.
What does AARC say it provides?
AARC says it provides counselling, supervision and training, and that its remit has expanded beyond its original focus on adult and adolescent relationship counselling.
The charity says it now offers family counselling, counsellor supervision and counsellor training as part of its wider work.
Its public information also says face-to-face counselling is available in Renfrew, Glasgow and Livingston, while online and telephone support is available too.
AARC’s counselling service page states that fees apply after an initial free period, with rates listed for individuals, couples and families or groups.
How does this fit into local support?
The fundraising night comes at a time when AARC is trying to maintain its role as a local counselling provider in Renfrewshire.
The charity describes itself as offering accessible counselling in a safe and inclusive space, which places the event directly in line with its wider public service role.
The charity’s contact page lists its Renfrew base at 69 Ferry Road, and says enquiries can be made by email or phone. That indicates the organisation is operating as a local support service with a community-facing presence across the area.
Why does this matter now?
The fundraising night is not only a social event but also a practical way for the charity to collect money for counselling services.
Because AARC says it provides free and low-cost support, money raised could help maintain access for people who might otherwise struggle to pay for therapy.
The event also highlights the role of volunteers in keeping smaller charities running. In this case, the volunteer-led model appears to be central to AARC’s ability to deliver support while also expanding training and community skills work.
Background of this development
AARC says it was established 10 years ago as a counselling organisation focused on adult and adolescent relationship counselling.
Over time, the charity says it has expanded into family counselling, supervision and training, reflecting a broader remit across Scotland.
Its public-facing material shows that the organisation promotes affordable and free counselling for individuals, couples and families.
The fundraising event in Paisley appears to be part of that wider effort to sustain services and support the charity’s ongoing work.
Prediction for local audiences
For people in Paisley and Renfrewshire, the event could help keep affordable counselling available if it raises enough money to support AARC’s services. That matters for residents who rely on low-cost support, particularly where private therapy may be unaffordable.
It may also strengthen awareness of the charity’s wider services, including supervision and training, which could encourage more local referrals and volunteer involvement. If the event is well attended, it may also help AARC remain visible as a community-based mental health resource in the area.
