I attended the virtual launch event of the Schools-Based Counselling Campaign hosted by Tyne and Wear Citizens group in partnership with the Newcastle East Academy Trust. According to the last major survey carried out by the NHS, in 2017, 13% of 5 to 19-year olds had at least one mental disorder. I was therefore concerned to learn that one in four referrals to child and adolescent mental health services in 2017/18 were rejected. The most common reason given for rejection was that the child’s mental health conditions were not serious enough to meet the eligibility criteria for treatment. The Coronavirus pandemic is only making the situation worse, changes to routines and socialising has seen parents and teachers extremely concerned about the worsening mental health outcomes for those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. At the event I announced my support for the campaign. I want to see more counselling services available in schools.