Crisis & emotional distress
Calm, compassionate guidance for mental health crisis, trauma, PTSD and overwhelming situations.
Portsmouth-based crisis and community support
Reach for the stars
A way forward.
A voice beside you.
Helping people overcome life’s challenges and find their unstoppable momentum.
Professional, practical and deeply human support for people facing trauma, crisis, recovery, isolation, safeguarding worries and overwhelming life pressure.
Lord Mayor’s Civic Medal 2026
University Alumni Impact Award 2026
Community-led support in Portsmouth
The story behind the support
Meet John.
Hear the journey.
Take a moment to watch John’s story of resilience, purpose and community.
Watch John's story, from a difficult beginning to finding purpose through community and helping others.
A voice when it mattersPractical steps forwardRooted in community358people supported
Reported · 2026 to date
Reported · 2026 to date
Your next chapter starts with one step
You don’t need all the answers to begin.
Start wherever you are. Explore the kind of support that feels closest to what you need, or speak directly with John.
Calm, practical guidance to help you understand the next step. Explore crisis and emotional support, mental health guidance, neurodiversity and wellbeing. If life is at immediate risk, call 999.
Explore support358
People supported2026 to date · reported figures
Real people. Different challenges.
Practical support across 11 areas of need.
Updated 26 October 2026
Speaking & workshops
Book John Ryder to speak
Honest conversations, lived experience and professional knowledge for schools, prisons, police, universities, probation, social services and community audiences.
Enquire about a speaking sessionPractical court support
Support when you are representing yourself.
Explore McKenzie Friend support with preparation, organising papers and assistance at civil or family hearings where the court permits.
Explore McKenzie Friend support
Portsmouth rooted
Built around local people, real pressure and practical community action.
Compassion first
No judgement. No shame. Just steady support when life feels heavy.
Recognised impact
Award-winning commitment to empowerment, resilience and civic care.
No judgement. No shame.
When life becomes too much, the first step should feel safe.
Climb Nova Consultancy exists for people who need steady guidance, honest encouragement and practical support at difficult moments. The work is rooted in compassion, lived understanding, community connection and belief in a person’s capacity to rebuild.
No judgement. No shame. Just support, compassion, and people who genuinely care.
How Climb Nova helps
Practical support through real life challenges.
Clear guidance, human connection and grounded next steps for people, families and communities.
Recovery & resilience
Support with addiction recovery, relapse prevention, life skills and rebuilding daily momentum.
Safety & stability
Guidance around domestic abuse, coercive control, safeguarding, housing insecurity and debt anxiety.
Recognised impact
Award-winning community empowerment, rooted in Portsmouth.
Recognition from civic, university and community organisations reflects the heart of the work: helping people rebuild with dignity, courage and connection.
2026
Portsmouth Lord Mayor’s Civic Medal Recipient
A powerful local recognition of service, compassion and community impact.
View Awards & MediaCommunity voice
Trusted by people who value compassion in action.
Your experience matters
Honest feedback about Climb Nova’s free support is welcome—positive, mixed or critical.
“Their professionalism, attentiveness and genuine care stood out. The advice felt actionable, empowering and tailored to my situation.”
Graham B.
“From the first interaction, I felt heard and understood. Their support helped me feel clearer, more positive and ready to move forward.”
Tracey B.
The first two entries are testimonials already published on this website. New reviews appear after a check for spam, abuse and personal information—not for whether they are positive.
Leave an honest review Free · no account needed
Music. Community. Conversation. Change.
The Life Lounge
Where music meets community.
A new online radio space from Climb Nova Consultancy, bringing together great music, honest conversations and community voices. A place to connect, share stories and find encouragement for the journey ahead.
Visit the station to check the live broadcast, explore what’s coming up and find past shows as they become available.
Tune In. Wind Down. Rise Up.
Take the next step
You do not have to face this alone.
Speak directly with John Ryder for calm, practical guidance.
A city. A community. A shared future.
Real lives.
Real connection.
Forward, together.
Explore the people, partnerships and community projects behind Climb Nova’s work.
Creativity & belongingCommunity street art↗
Movement & communityWalk the Island↗Before you take the first step
A few things you might be wondering.
Can I get in touch if I’m not sure what help I need?
Yes. You can start by explaining what is difficult at the moment. John can discuss practical support, advocacy and signposting, including when another service may be more appropriate.
Can an organisation book John to speak?
Schools, universities, prisons, probation teams, police, employers and community organisations can enquire about talks and workshops. Audience, format, availability, scope and fees are discussed before a booking is agreed.
Explore speaking and workshops →What does McKenzie Friend support involve?
It can include moral support, organising papers, note-taking and quiet assistance for someone representing themselves, subject to the court’s permission. It does not automatically include speaking to the court or conducting litigation.
Read the scope of court support →What should I include in an enquiry?
A short outline of what you need and how John can contact you is enough to start. Please do not send confidential case documents or identifying information about children.
Are the impact figures live or independently audited?
The figures are supplied by John Ryder and dated 26 October 2026. They are a reported snapshot, not a live feed or an independent audit. People may have support needs across multiple areas.
Read the impact figures and counting note →A conversation can be a starting point
Contact John at
Climb Nova Consultancy.
For personal support, advocacy, speaking and workshops, or a community collaboration. Start with a conversation about what you need.
For immediate danger, call 999. Climb Nova is not an emergency response service. Please avoid sending confidential documents or identifying information about children.
Every part of Climb Nova
Explore the whole picture.
Support. Community action. Stories. Recognition. Everything is here.
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