At a time like this, we need mental health support more than ever. The problem existed before the pandemic and has only been exasperated during it. There are hundreds of qualified counsellors out there seeking work and now is the time to utilise their skills to support the public.
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Waiting lists for support are far too long, some waiting lists for younger adults and children are years long, other waiting lists for adults that may not necessarily be at suicidal breaking point are a few months or more long! This is not acceptable. People should be able to reach out for help when they need it most, not months down the line waiting for disasters to happen. There are plenty of qualified counsellors out there waiting for a chance to be employed. The Government should provide the funding for recruitment of additional NHS counsellors.