'New service to support young people who feel lonely' - Your Letters: August 7

The summer holidays and the break from school often conjure up thoughts of fun, freedom, outdoor play and seaside trips with mum and dad. However, for many children living in the Midlands, these weeks away from school can be a lonely and isolating experience.

Last year, from the NSPCC’s Childline service delivered more than 4,500 counselling sessions to children and young people experiencing loneliness. Some young people missed having regular contact with school friends, others struggled with the lack of a day-to-day routine, while some were concerned about moving to a new school or year group in September.

Loneliness can have a profound impact on a child’s happiness and wellbeing, and Childline is available around the clock to help.

The NSPCC has also launched Building Connections – a new service to support young people who feel lonely. Building Connections is a free befriending service for children and young people, aged between 9 to 19, that helps tackle loneliness over 11 text-based sessions with a trained befriender.

By learning how to build rewarding friendships, the service helps children to build up their confidence and social resilience.

Any parent or carer who have concerns for their child’s wellbeing this summer can refer them to Building Connections by visiting our website - www.nspcc.org.uk. We are here to help.

Carrie Oliver, NSPCC

WALL NOT AS OLD AS REPORTED

Re your article headed, ‘Residents fury at demolition of wall.’ The wall has not been in the position at Queen Victoria school since it was built in 1897, as reported.

The original position of the wall was much nearer the road than it is/was now. The pavement was not much more than seven feet wide, when the wall was originally built, it had railings but these were taken away for the WWII effort.

The children at the school used the rear and front as a play yard but the wall was moved back in the early 1960s now they only have the rear yard, the front now used as a car park.The stone the wall was built with is historical Gornal stone but the wall isn't as old as reported.

Norman D Caddick, Coseley

MANY THANKS FOR VILLAGE HELP

I want to say a big thank-you to the boys from Colwich, who did a wonderful job of cleaning along our village recently. It's made such a difference.

Many thanks from all us residents.

Julia Sambrooke, Great Haywood

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