A COUNSELLING charity has launched a fundraising campaign help increase its services to vulnerable children and young people

Community Counselling is aiming to raise £5,000 to provide an additional client room at its main base Malton. The new client room will be a dedicated child-friendly counselling room with space for children to engage in art and play therapy.

The charity currently offers counselling to children and young people through its Young Carers Service, funded by Children in Need, to provide counselling to young carers as well as via a contract with the local Police and Crime Commissioner to provide counselling to victims of crime.

Chief Officer, Stephen Robling said: “We wish to expand our services for vulnerable children and young people and as the recent report from the Children’s Society demonstrates there is a mental health crisis affecting children and young people which is not being met by the statutory sector.

“The type of issues we work with include anxiety, stress, bereavement , bullying, confidence and problems with relationships as well as trauma and abuse. Early intervention can reduce the need for more expensive intervention later on and as a result of counselling, children and young people are expected to lead healthier and happier lives, have better relationships, and have better coping strategies as well as improved academic attainment and life chances.”

The new room will be warm and welcoming and offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, in which children and young people can share their problems; find ways to cope with difficult life situations and improve personal relationships.

Thee charity has launched a crowdfunding campaign and donations can be made via its page at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ counselling-for-vulnerable-children-young-people