Our Children, Young People and Families Lead says it鈥檚 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聽face the increased change and uncertainty in their lives because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Campaign

We鈥檙e 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.聽

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

鈥淭he 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a long and troubling list and is being faced by students at a pivotal time in their lives.聽

鈥淲e believe early intervention and access to timely psychological therapies are key, which is why we鈥檙e is lobbying for a paid counsellor in every secondary school and college.

School counselling

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

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

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

鈥淭here is no more crucial time to do this than now and the future wellbeing of our nation depends on it.鈥�