Local MP Jo Gideon has called on the Government to prioritise essential school and college-based counselling services in a debate in Parliament this week.
Speaking in the debate on Tuesday, Jo spoke of the vital role Stoke-on-Trent’s schools and colleges play in providing counselling and safeguarding services, especially for vulnerable young people:
“Young people’s mental health problems impact educational outcomes and the ability to form friendships. Problems can last into adulthood, affecting life chances and physical health. In Stoke-on-Trent, CAMHS is overstretched and cannot meet the demands across the City – students also do not see the same person for any follow up appointments or long-term counselling/treatment.
I speak today in support of core funding for mental health, counselling, and safeguarding provision to ensure that those with added personal challenges and health issues have the best possible chances throughout our education system”.
Jo praised Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College’s Safeguarding, Counselling and Wellbeing Team, which has received a national award for their Emotional Well Being Project and superb work in looking after 1800 students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, Jo noted the increased challenges schools face following the loss of local mental health services, which have left schools to pick up additional early intervention services. Schools also face difficulty in accessing external support for those aged 16-18 due to a gap in services between children’s and adult services.
Jo also argued that school-based counselling is a key element of levelling up areas such as Stoke-on-Trent’s educational achievement. Jo concluded:
“We cannot raise standards without recognising the barriers our most vulnerable young people face and putting in place core funding for the essential school and college-based counselling services which will address these, particularly in disadvantaged areas”.
