A COUNSELLING service based in Wellington is launching a new service for children and young people from this autumn.

Cornerstone Counselling’s dedicated Play Therapy service is now available to book ahead of the service starting at the Community Centre in White Hart Lane.

The new service will be delivered by play therapist Lucy Cheshire, who joins the Cornerstone team as the organisation expands its support for children, young people and families across Somerset and the South West.

Established in Wellington in 2014, Cornerstone has supported hundreds of clients through its face-to-face counselling services and, more recently, through its national online counselling provision.

Play therapy is a specialist therapeutic approach that helps children express thoughts, feelings and experiences through play, creativity and imagination. It provides a safe and supportive environment where children can process emotions, build resilience and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges.

Lead counsellor at Cornerstone Counselling, Chris Wallwork, said: “For more than a decade, Cornerstone has had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples and families through a wide range of challenges.

“As our service has grown, we have become increasingly aware of the need for specialist support for younger children who may struggle to express their feelings through words alone.

“Play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate and evidence-informed way for children to communicate, explore emotions and process difficult experiences.

“We are delighted to welcome Lucy to the team and excited to extend our support to even more families across our community.”

Lucy Cheshire said: “Play is a child’s natural language. Through play therapy, children are given the opportunity to express themselves in ways that feel safe and comfortable for them.

“I am looking forward to supporting children and families as they navigate challenges and helping them develop confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.”