Charity Fegans is embarking on a major recruitment drive to tackle the growing waiting lists of children and young people who have been referred for counselling.

Fegans, which provides professional counselling services in its schools and centres across London, the South East, and Oxford, is very concerned about the delays children have suffered in accessing the support they need while schools were closed. Roughly three children in every classroom already have a diagnosable mental health disorder while a recent survey revealed that 80% of young people with an existing mental health problem found the coronavirus pandemic had made their mental health ‘much worse’.

Now schools have reopened, counsellors are beginning to see children face-to-face again, but with an additional 200 children recently joining its waiting lists, Fegans says it needs to expand its services to meet those in need. So it is actively looking for more counsellors to work in its schools and centres in the South East and Oxfordshire.

‘Sadly we are seeing a huge increase in the demand for counselling and the reality is that many children are suffering whilst waiting for help. Parents are desperate to access support for their children and we do not want to turn anyone away. If you are a qualified counsellor and you are interested in joining our team, we would love to hear from you,’ says Fegans CEO Ian Soars. ‘Fegans is on a mission to make sure no child waits, and we are looking people to join us on this mission.’

Fully-qualified counsellors who are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy who are interested in working for Fegans can find out more on Fegans’ website or email tia.barham@fegans.org.uk. Flexible hours are available.

If you would like to refer a child for counselling please visit Fegans website or call 01892 538288. Bursaries are available for those who are unable to meet the full cost of therapy.