A DISTRICT care trust is backing a national campaign which puts children's mental health in the spotlight.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging young people to speak out on the issue, and raising awareness of the support available.

The care trust's mental health support teams work in schools, where they have trained groups of students to become 'wellbeing champions', who offer peer support and signposting, organise events and provide a voice for fellow pupils.

Students from schools and colleges across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven will attend a celebratory event at Skipton Girls' High School next Wednesday (February 7) to recognise the achievements of the wellbeing champions.

The initiative forms part of the care trust's backing for this year's Children's Mental Health Week, which has the theme My Voice Matters.

Helen Capstick, clinical lead with the Bradford and Craven trailblazer mental health support team, says: "The celebration event will mirror the theme of Children’s Mental Health Week. We have asked participants to create a presentation on how each school or college has been able to promote their students' voice and wellbeing. During the day, schools and colleges will share ideas and plan ways to ensure their students' voices are heard."

The care trust's Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service, which helps young people across the district who are experiencing emotional and mental health issues, will also be involved in the week.

Its service manager, Bob Collins, says: "We’re delighted to get behind Children's Mental Health Week and encourage children and young people to find their voice.

"We've been working in schools to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by getting young people to talk openly about mental health. Primary mental health workers have worked alongside educational psychologists to create the network of champions across schools in Bradford and Craven. Many schools have signed up to the project, which also sees senior members of teaching staff offered additional training about emotional health and wellbeing. This has led to young people feeling increasingly more comfortable accessing help and looking at mental health as something not to be ashamed of.

"Around half of all mental health illnesses begin by the age of 14. Preventing and identifying issues as early as possible is crucial to effective treatment and recovery."

For more about the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service, visit bdct.nhs.uk/services/child-adolescent-mental-health-camhs

Mental health information and support for people of all ages can be found at healthyminds.services