During the pandemic I was inspired to train as a counsellor so that I could offer therapeutic support to children and young people.

I am working towards a level 6 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People and work as a counsellor in primary and secondary school settings.

For many people, including children the pandemic was a tremendously difficult period, resulting in socialising difficulties and anxiety on return to normal life. Sadly today in the UK, one in five children experience mental health problems, which commonly involve emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.

Children may find it hard to talk to their parents, teachers or friends about difficulties they are experiencing. Counselling offers a non-judgemental space for them to talk where they can be safely heard and their thoughts and feelings respected.

Children and young people may be struggling with:

• bullying
• family break up
• bereavement and loss
• body image
• pressures of social media
• neurodiversity
• gender dysphoria
• exam pressures
• sexuality
• issues resulting from neglect or abuse
• concerns about the wider world

This list is by no means complete. Being a child or young person can be very hard in today’s world.