Our Children, Young People and Families Lead says it’s crucial pupils have access to mental health support when schools reopen after the coronavirus lockdown.

Jo Holmes says school counsellors are ideally placed to help young people face the increased change and uncertainty in their lives because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo’s comments came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday announced that schools would return on March 8 as he unveiled his plan to ease England’s lockdown restrictions.

Campaign

We’re campaigning for a paid counsellor to be available in every secondary school, academy and FE college in England.

It would bring England into line with the other nations of the UK, which have a commitment to funded school counselling services. 

And Jo said: “When the school gates reopen to all, students will need more than an academic catch up. A mental health catch-up will be needed too.

“The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, school closures and lockdown restrictions has meant young people in England are coping with social isolation, loneliness, trauma, bereavement, uncertainty and family problems.

“It’s a long and troubling list and is being faced by students at a pivotal time in their lives. 

“We believe early intervention and access to timely psychological therapies are key, which is why we’re is lobbying for a paid counsellor in every secondary school and college.

School counselling

“School counsellors are perfectly positioned to help young people emerge from the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic and flourish both academically and socially.

“While Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland already have government-funded school counselling services, England does not.

“England needs to catch up with the other UK nations in the mental health support it offers school children.

“There is no more crucial time to do this than now and the future wellbeing of our nation depends on it.”