A children's counselling charity in Thanet is to expand amid soaring demand for the service.

Fegans has worked with primary schoolchildren in Ramsgate and Broadstairs for the past three years but it now plans to offer emotional support to youngsters from across the island.

Its Schools+ service, provided by fully trained counsellors, helps children aged between four and 11 cope with a number of issues, including bereavement, family breakdown or bullying.

Craig Prentice , team leader, said: “Our counselling really makes a difference to children. Put simply, talking helps.

“Because of the complexity of children’s needs and the pressures on teachers today, schools really value this specialist support for their pupils.

“We feel it’s been a really effective partnership and we now feel ready to expand our services right across the 30 or so primary schools in Thanet.”

Once a school identifies a pupil it thinks would benefit from counselling, the child is matched with one of Fegans’ staff and given sessions over an initial six-week period.

Youngsters can also use a self-referral programme, known as TalkTime , where they can talk about their concerns or anxieties with trained volunteers.

Mr Prentice added: “Our service is reactive and that’s important. Rather than schools and kids having to wait for counselling, we can meet their needs quickly.

“Our approach is needs-led, inventive and all about partnering with schools and parents to meet the emotional and social needs of children.”

To talk to someone from Fegans or for more information about the charity, telephone 01843 587000 or visit www.fegans.org.uk