We’ve joined more than 100 children’s sector organisations in calling on the government to put children at the heart of the nation’s recovery from the pandemic.

Our Chair Natalie Bailey has signed a letter urging the government to “produce a new vision of childhood to support children, young people and their families to recover from the impact of COVID-19”.

The letter called for renewed investment in the services and workforce they rely on, such as counselling and psychotherapy.

Other signatories to the letter, which is published in today’s Daily Telegraph and is reproduced opposite, include the National Children’s Bureau, the NSPCC and the Children’s Society.

Investment in services

The letter said: “Their voices must be at the heart of plans to rebuild, backed by renewed investment in the services and workforce that they rely on.

“This will require action across Whitehall and in town halls to improve the quality of education, health, early years, youth and social care services. It must be accompanied by a commitment to protect children facing additional challenges, like those with disabilities, those from minority communities, and those growing up in poverty.

“Our children and young people deserve better.

“Only by putting children at the heart of policymaking can we build a better future for our country after the pandemic.”

School counselling campaign

We’ve been campaigning for a paid counsellor to be available in every secondary school, academy and further education college in England.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have government funded school counselling services. England does not.

As children face increased change and uncertainty in their lives because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever before that they have access to this vital support.

Jo Holmes, our Children, Young People and Families Lead, said: “The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, school closures and lockdown restrictions has meant young people in England are coping with social isolation, loneliness, trauma, bereavement, uncertainty and family problems.

Early access

“It’s a long and troubling list and is being faced by students at a pivotal time in their lives. 

“We believe early intervention and access to timely psychological therapies are key, which is why we’re is lobbying for a paid counsellor in every secondary school and college.

“School counsellors are perfectly positioned to help young people emerge from the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic and flourish both academically and socially.

“There is no more crucial time to do this than now and the future wellbeing of our nation depends on it.”

Find out more about our school counselling campaign.​