THE Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) is encouraging people across the area to join them in supporting World Mental Health Day today, Wednesday.

The theme is 'young people and mental health in a changing world', and the CWP wants Cheshire residents to consider the improtance of young people's mental health.

According to mental health charity Young Minds, one in 10 children have a diagnosable mental health disorder - roughly three children in every classroom.

Additionally, one in 12 young people self-harm at some point in their lives, with girls statistically more likely to self-harm than boys.

CWP provides a range of health services throughout the region, including community and inpatient mental health services for children and young people.

The Trust also offers a selection of self-help tools and activities for young people, their carers and families on its award winning child and adolescent mental health website.

CWP chief executive, Sheena Cumiskey, said: “Each year we are pleased to support World Mental Health Day, as part of global efforts to raise awareness of the issues associated with mental health.

"We feel it is hugely important for people living with a mental health condition, and their families, to know that support is available.

"We also feel that is our obligation to do everything we can to promote efforts aiming to reduce the stigma around mental health.”