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School-based counselling 'helps Welsh students'
12 August 2010
School-based counselling services are helping thousands of children in Wales, it has been claimed.
According to Education Minister Leighton Andrews AM, this support is boosting attendance and making children more confident.
"It is vital that children and young people know there is someone available to listen to their concerns, whatever they may be," the minister stated.
He noted that all local authorities now have counselling services in place for youngsters.
Figures from the Welsh Department of Education show that between summer and autumn term 2009 and spring term 2010, just over 4,100 pupils completed a course of counselling.
"It is great to hear that teachers have also seen benefits from the scheme with one teacher describing the school-based counselling as one of the most valuable support services available to pupils," Mr Andrews added.
A £1.8 million contract was awarded to three separate counselling organisations to help support pupils in Northern Ireland last year.