Demand for Childline increases as schools in Wales forced to close

Childline has delivered more than 80 counselling sessions to children worried about coronavirus – the majority taking place in the last week.

The service said it has seen "unprecedented demand" in the number of counselling sessions relating to the Covid-19 outbreak in the last seven days.

Almost two thirds of the sessions took place between March 16 and March 22, as working from home increased and school closures were announced.

Over half of young people across the UK who spoke to Childline last week about Coronavirus were counselled for their mental and emotional health as they struggled to cope with issues like isolation, arguments at home and the removal of professional support from schools and the NHS.

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk

If adults are worried about children they can get advice from NSPCC practitioners on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk