New counselling service for children with divorced parents

Family counselling charity Relate is extending its services to support children from the age of five, on top of its services that are already up and running for teenagers.
Chief executive for Relate, Karen Ross, said the extension of services was due to high demand.
“Over the years, parents [with teenagers using the old service] have said to us can you help my younger child?” said Mrs Ross. “It’s a very different sort of work with children; it needs to enable a child to show us what’s going on using graphics, equipment and arts and crafts, rather than [with] teenagers who can talk to us.”
She added that children from separated families can often be left confused by the changes to their family and their support network.
She said: “Sometimes children in that situation don’t understand what their circumstances are.
“Little children can become really angry and show their anger by hitting out or become withdrawn and can feel that they are being bullied.
“A lot of children grow up believing that they are responsible for mum or dad having left or mum or dad crying.”
Role plays with puppets and acting out situations with families in dolls houses and sand trays will be regular ways of interacting with children during the sessions.
An information event is being held for parents and professionals wishing to find out more about the service at its Newbury offices on Friday, February 15 from 12:30pm to 1:45pm.
Anyone wishing attend should book a place by calling 0118 987 6161 or emailing secretary@relateberkshire.org