“This is a significant step forward in the SNP government’s package of measures to improve the mental health support available for children and young people.”

Secondary Schools in Orkney are to benefit with  £701,000 investment by the Scottish Government over the next four years in counselling services.

The investment will mean that professional counselling services will be available to all secondary school pupils who require it by September next year.

Across the whole of Scotland £60 million will be invested in counselling services for secondary schools.

Counselling services currently delivered by qualified and registered counsellors through Pupil Equity or Scottish Attainment funding will continue, enabling local authorities to reallocate those funds to other priorities to help close the attainment gap.

School counsellors help support young people’s emotional, behavioural and mental health. Importantly, pupils will also have access to counsellors during school holidays, providing vital continuity of care.

Local MSP Maree Todd, SNP, who is also the Minister for Young People and Children in the Scottish Government said:

“Children and young people can face many issues growing up and must have the right support available at the right time.

“It is hugely welcome that, thanks to Scottish Government investment, every secondary school pupil who needs it will have access to professional counselling services by next year.

“This follows the news from the Scottish Government earlier this month where it was announced that college and university students are to benefit from a £20 million investment in additional mental health counsellors.

“This is a significant step forward in the SNP government’s package of measures to improve the mental health support available for children and young people.”

image copyright of Heidi Forbes Öste