SCHOOLCHILDREN in Wrexham are facing delays of up to four months to access counselling services with almost 200 currently on the waiting list, it’s been revealed.

Wrexham Council says there has been an increased number of referrals in the county borough because of family problems and anxiety issues.

Two days of counselling per week are provided at secondary schools in the area, and during the first term of the current academic year, 204 young people accessed the service.

However, the local authority said the high level of demand means 196 pupils are still on the waiting list.

A senior politician said it was now looking to work with primary schools in order to tackle the issues faced by children early on.

Cllr Andrew Atkinson, lead member for youth services and anti-poverty, said: “Young people who are on the waiting list are screened to assess need and currently wait between six weeks and four months for a service.

“To address the high numbers of young people requiring counselling in secondary schools, the service has refocused some of its delivery to work with key primary schools so that children can be supported at an earlier age.

“In 2017-18 the highest reason for a referral to counselling was due to family issues, this is followed by anxiety and behavioural issues.”

Counselling sessions are also available for youngsters at the Info Shop, which is located in the town centre.

The information was published on the back of a health survey of 3,254 pupils from seven secondary schools in Wrexham.

It showed that 72 per cent felt there was adequate support at school for students who feel unhappy, which is slightly below the national average.

One of the main issues impacting youngsters in the area is said to be their sleeping habits with the amount who go to bed at 11.30pm or later on a school night standing at close to a third.

Meanwhile, the number of students who look at an electronic screen around the same time of night was also above the Wales-wide benchmark.

Cllr Atkinson said schools have now drawn up action plans to address some of the points raised.

The Conservative councillor added: “All seven secondary schools who participated in the survey have received individual school reports.

“The Wrexham Healthy Schools team have supported schools to analyse their individual reports and to develop action plans based on the key areas for improvement.

“In addition to schools having their own individual action plans, a number of the identified areas for action are already part of the Public Service Board’s plan with key actions including healthy food for children and young people and their families in Wrexham and developing good sleeping patterns to support a healthy and physically active start in life.”

The report will be discussed by members of the council’s lifelong learning scrutiny committee at a meeting on Thursday, June 20.