A WEAVER Vale MP has pledged his support to Action for Children’s campaign improving young people’s mental wellbeing.

Mike Amesbury has been getting involved in the charity's Build Sound Minds campaign after it found that one third of 15 to 18-year-olds it assessed were suffering from mental health issues.

Pupils in need of support have been taking part in the Blues Programme, the first ever UK-wide early help intervention for teenage depression.

Mike said: "In today’s society it is so important for us to be aware of our emotional wellbeing.

"Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and therefore we should be able to talk about it in the same way.

"Acting early can help stop problems in their tracks and it’s vital we do everything we can, not only to help these young people, but to prevent these problems coming about in the first place.

"That’s why I’m pleased to be supporting Action for Children’s work through Build Sound Minds, and I encourage young people of all ages across Weaver Vale to look out for their own wellbeing and to seek support early if they’re struggling."

Julie Bentley, chief executive of Action for Children, added: "It’s no wonder that things can sometimes become too much for young people to handle.

"But with the backing of MPs like Mike, Action for Children can support young people to deal with their feelings from an earlier age, help prevent problems from starting and allow them to bounce back quickly if they do."

For more information, visit the Build Sound Minds website.