14/01/2026
🌱 The Vital Role of Counsellors in Schools
Children’s mental health has never been more in the spotlight. With rising levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional difficulties among young people, schools are increasingly finding themselves on the frontline of support. Yet, while services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) are under immense strain—and in many cases not fit for purpose due to long waiting lists and overstretched resources—schools are left searching for solutions.
Why Counsellors Matter in Schools
School counsellors provide a safe, consistent space for children to talk, process emotions, and develop coping strategies. While pastoral support is an important part of school life, children often need the additional expertise of qualified counsellors to fully support their mental health. Pastoral staff juggle many responsibilities, whereas counsellors are specifically trained to focus on emotional wellbeing, providing dedicated space and professional guidance that goes beyond general care.
Their presence in schools means:
🕊️ Early intervention – Issues can be addressed before they escalate into crises.
💬 Accessible support – Children don’t have to wait months for an appointment; help is available where they spend most of their time.
🤝 Continuity – Counsellors can build ongoing relationships with pupils, offering stability and trust.
The Gap Between Pastoral Care and CAMHS
Currently, the government has invested in EMHPs (Education Mental Health Practitioners). While well‑intentioned, these roles often lack the depth of training and experience needed to fully support children with complex emotional needs. What schools truly need is funding for qualified counsellors who can bridge the gap between pastoral support and specialist services.
This is where The Listening Tree comes in. Positioned in that crucial middle ground, The Listening Tree offers counselling that often prevents the need for CAMHS referral altogether. For many children, a series of sessions with a counsellor is enough to help them regain confidence, resilience, and emotional balance.
Why Government Funding Is Essential
Without proper funding, schools are forced to rely on overstretched staff or inconsistent external services. Investing in counsellors is not just about mental health—it’s about safeguarding education, wellbeing, and the future of our children. Every child deserves timely, professional support, and every school deserves the resources to provide it.
As CAMHS continues to struggle under immense demand, the government must recognise the vital role of counsellors in schools. By funding these positions, rather than relying solely on EMHPs, schools can provide the right support at the right time. The Listening Tree demonstrates how effective this model can be—helping children thrive without always needing referral to overstretched services.
It’s time to give schools the tools they need to nurture not just academic success, but emotional wellbeing too. 🌿
