Welsh Government announces £3.75m fund to support children’s mental health as coronavirus causes increased anxiety

The Welsh Government has today announced £3.75 million of funding to support mental health in schools as the coronavirus takes its toll on children’s wellbeing.

School counselling services currently provide direct help to young people from the age of 11 up to the age of 18.

The latest funding will now allow mental and emotional assistance to be given to children below that age.

Around 11,500 young people each year access lower level mental health support in schools and local communities.

Approximately £450,000 will also go towards helping teachers and other school workers.

The money is in addition to £1.25m announced last month to enable local authorities to provide counselling services in schools, taking the total up to £5m this financial year.

Education minister Kirsty Williams said: “The coronavirus is inevitably causing additional anxiety for people of all ages, not least children and young people.

“We must therefore anticipate increased demand for mental health support among younger people. We know that by tackling problems early you can stop them escalating.

“Although serious mental health issues are less prevalent among younger children, we’re extending the support available so that children under 11 can also receive support with their emotional well-being, if they need it.

“We know traditional face-to-face counselling is not necessarily appropriate for younger children, who may lack the maturity to explain and understand the issues which concern them.

“Instead specialist therapies, such as those based on play and working with the wider family are much more effective and we will work with providers to develop these services as part of our wider whole school approach.”

Health minister Vaughan Gething, said: “With the necessary restrictions on young people’s lives due to coronavirus, including less time with their friends and other family members, we must be prepared for an impact on children’s emotional wellbeing.

“So it’s important we continue to invest in mental health support for our young people during these very difficult times.”