Efforts to stop children losing out in life because of untreated emotional and psychological problems have been highlighted by a leading children's charity.

The NSPCC is well known for its work protecting children from physical abuse. Much of its work, though, is focused on safeguarding children's emotional and social well-being.

The NSPCC in Wales is now campaigning for more counselling to be made available in schools.

A director of the charity in Wales, Greta Thomas, said: "Too many children and young people are unable to fulfil their potential because of emotional and psychological problems which may have been prevented or overcome if help was at hand.

"Emotional and social difficulties can be generated by concerns about exams, friendships or bullying in school, or life events such as bereavement.

"But, it can also be a result of more serious problems at home, such as abuse and neglect.

"School-based peer mediation schemes, counselling and specific groupwork are all strategies that make readily accessible the help children and young people need."

She added: "The establishment and support of independent counselling schemes in all schools is one of our key calls to government for the General Election.

"If there are inadequate resources devoted to a child's emotional and social development, their intellectual development will be affected."

Used courtesy of the South Wales Evening Post