New counselling service for schoolchildren in west London

Building on the success of the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) School Counselling Service in 33 schools across London, the Society is launching a new school counselling and play therapy service for children at schools in West London, giving children the opportunity to talk about their problems in confidence. These can range from bullying, bereavement, parental illness, separation and divorce, low self-esteem, alcoholism and drug abuse to family and peer relationships.

Janis Griffiths, a qualified play therapist, joins the Society from Mapalim, a consultancy that delivers services to children and families. She brings with her a wealth of experience in service delivery and development.

Janis said: "I look forward to working with schools in West London to make a real difference to the emotional and mental well-being of their children." Based in St Vincent's Mediation and Family Service, Hanwell, Janis will be getting in touch with local authorities and schools to explore new developments with them."

The Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) was established in 1859 and provides child care services to assist children and families in need, irrespective of race or faith, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster. With 150 years of experience of working with children and families we recognise that families come in all shapes and sizes and from widely ranging cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

For more information see: www.cathchild.org.uk/about/index.php