Welsh Government
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£6.5m for school based counselling services
The Welsh Assembly Government aims for a counselling service to be available to all pupils so they have someone to turn to if they need help or support.
Funding of £1m will be made available in 2008/09, £2.5m in 2009/10 and £3m in 2010/11 for Local Authorities to develop school-based counselling services.
Developing a universal school-based counselling service for all children and young people in Wales was a recommendation in the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ Clywch Inquiry Report which was accepted by the Assembly Government. It is also a commitment in the One Wales agreement.
Counselling is one of a range of services which support the health and social needs of pupils. Other elements include creating emotional literacy programmes, seeking pupils’ views through school councils, education welfare services, anti-bullying policies and support for pupils with additional learning needs.
Initially, implementation of the strategy will concentrate on expanding provision for children and young people of secondary school age, as this is the age group where there is the most immediate need and for which formal one-to-one counselling is likely to be the most effective. Provision for year 6 pupils to support them through the transition to secondary schooling will also be considered.
Jane Hutt said:
The emotional well-being of children in Wales is paramount.
Consultation with young people in Wales and across the UK consistently tells us that what they want when they are unhappy, afraid or distressed is an adult who shows them respect, is competent and respects their confidentiality. This is what we will be providing across Wales.
I want to see professional counsellors who specialise in working with children helping young people cope with the social, emotional and psychological problems that can affect them as they grow up.
It is widely accepted that schools which promote the health and well-being of pupils are more likely to create an effective working environment. It is our goal that this strategy, backed with substantial funding will allow young people who need emotional support to get the help they need.Related Links
