What are the benefits of counselling in schools for children and young people?
Mental health problems have been rising in the UK and there is much debate on whether counselling in schools should be offered. With nearly two-thirds of people say that they have experienced a mental health problem, this rises to 7 in every 10 women, young adults aged 18-34 and people living alone. However, 1 in 10 of children and young people are affected, with 70% of children and young people not having appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.
The debate on whether counselling is provided in schools gathers pace, at NECS we’ve provided tailored support to pupils aged from 4 to 18 within schools for a number of years now.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has long campaigned for this to be part of school activities with a commitment from Government.
The BACP claims the following benefits:
- School-based counselling can stop mental health problems from developing further – this early intervention treatment can stop conditions accelerating into something more serious and complex, and offer children the tools to recognise when they are experiencing difficulties with their mental wellbeing.
- School-based counselling is easy for children to access – children and young people are seen usually in two to three weeks, it would be unusual to wait longer than four weeks to be assessed by a school counsellor.
- Children and young people are more likely to see an in-house school-based counsellor compared to non-school-based services; it cuts down their fears of stigma.
- School-based counselling helps with behaviour and learning.
- School-based counselling works as a parallel support alongside CAMHS and reduces referrals to these specialist and costly services.
- School-based counselling is cost effective. One session of CAMHS costs the same as five sessions of school counselling.
Source: BACP http://www.bacp.co.uk/news/?newsId=4076
More pressure for teachers?
As headteachers and school leaders come under more pressure with budget cuts it seems this is just one more problem for them to deal with. A problem they may feel is not part of a school’s role to play. Yes, all teachers will be concerned about their pupil’s health and wellbeing, but suggestions of training to identify children with mental health issues may be a bit too much to ask.
Do you need counselling support in your school?
At North East Counselling Services we can provide a solution to schools and take some of the burdens away. We can provide a tailored package of support to schools, we will establish a referrals process, safeguarding and provide you with a counsellor that meets your needs. Furthermore, we can provide additional support to staff or even parents.
If you would like to find out more on how we can help children and young people in your school, or if you need support for staff, please give our Business Development Manager, Carol Walker a call on: 07875 060239 or email: email@example.com