A HEREFORD charity has been awarded almost £500,000 to help improve young people's mental health and wellbeing.

The CLD Trust was established in 1994 and provides counselling and other services to help improve the mental health of individuals across Herefordshire.

They have been awarded more than £480,000 from the Big Lottery Funding for a programme to help young people in the county.

Chief executive, Kaye Berry, said: “Our five year programme has been designed to address needs before they become complex and will be available across the county, in market towns, rural areas and in the city.

"Amongst our young people’s population we have seen a significant increase in the number of referrals to our service and in the incidences, nature and volume of issues that they face. "These include anxiety, stress, self-harm, family breakdown, relationship difficulties and bullying and all have a very real impact on an individual’s life and achievement and ability to achieve their aspirations and develop successful relationships."

The programme will include workshops, information, one-to-one support and counselling therapy and will start in August.

Young people will have a role to play in the programme and will be recruited to train as mental health champions and peer supporters, to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, reduce the stigma that can surround it, and support and signpost young people into the project.

The CLD Trust can be contacted on 01432 269245.