The Case for School Counselling Has Never Been Stronger
- pennyhackney
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Every week, our counsellors sit alongside children who are carrying worries far bigger than they should have to.
Some are struggling with anxiety. Others are experiencing bereavement, family breakdown, bullying, low self-esteem or overwhelming emotions. Many are trying their best to cope, but without the right support, these challenges can begin to affect every part of their lives—from friendships and family relationships to attendance, behaviour and learning.
A new report from Public First, commissioned by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and Citizens UK, provides compelling evidence for something we've long believed:
Early access to professional counselling doesn't just change lives—it makes social and economic sense too.
The need has never been greater
The report found that one in five children aged 8-16 now has a probable mental health condition, an increase of more than 50% since 2017.
It also found that children experiencing poor mental health are:
Seven times more likely to miss significant amounts of school.
Sixteen times more likely to self-harm.
Much less likely to enjoy learning.
More likely to experience poorer health, employment and wellbeing later in life.
These aren't just statistics.
They represent children sitting in classrooms every day, trying to learn while carrying invisible emotional burdens.
The children who fall through the gaps
One section of the report particularly resonated with us.
It describes what it calls the "missing middle"—children whose difficulties are too complex for schools to manage alone but who don't meet the threshold for specialist NHS mental health services.
Sadly, this is something we see regularly.
Many young people simply need someone qualified to listen before their difficulties escalate into crisis.
Early intervention can prevent problems becoming entrenched, reduce the need for more intensive services later and help children remain engaged with education.
What we see every week
At The Matthew Hackney Foundation, we don't just read about the benefits of counselling—we witness them.
We see children who:
return to school after prolonged anxiety
learn healthy ways to manage overwhelming emotions
develop confidence and resilience
improve relationships with family and friends
begin enjoying school again.
Sometimes the changes are dramatic.
Often they're quieter.
A child smiles more.
They start putting their hand up in class.
Attendance improves.
Friendships develop.
Parents tell us their child "feels like themselves again."
These moments matter.
Investing early saves more than money
Mental health challenges don't discriminate.
Support shouldn't either.
Every child deserves the opportunity to be heard before their difficulties become a crisis.
We're incredibly proud to work alongside schools across Surrey, providing early intervention counselling that helps children, young people and families access support when they need it most.
As demand continues to grow, so too does the need for charities, schools, communities and funders to work together.
Because every child deserves the chance to thrive.
Help us ensure no child struggles alone
Whether you're a school, parent, funder or supporter, together we can make early mental health support available to more children across Surrey.
References
Public First. (2024). The Case for Counselling in Schools and Colleges: A Socioeconomic Impact Assessment. Commissioned by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and Citizens UK.
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