Healthwatch Wiltshire has earned a volunteering award from Healthwatch England for carrying out a mental health project.

In partnership with Youth Action Wiltshire, community organisers from Community First and local schools, Healthwatch mentored a group of students, supporting them to learn new skills and build confidence.

Some of the students were trained to become Young Listeners, visiting schools and speaking to others to understand their views on mental health.

Students taking part in the project told Young Listeners they wanted more opportunities to discuss their mental health and wellbeing, easily accessible and better health and wellbeing support within schools, to be able to talk about their issues without judgement and be respected by staff and professionals, plus shorter waiting times for support.

Stacey Plumb, Interim Manager for Healthwatch Wiltshire, said: "We're over the moon to win this award.

"We really enjoyed working with the students and would like to thank Youth Action Wiltshire, Community First and all the schools involved for helping us bring this project to life.

“The Young Listeners showed great dedication throughout this project and really listened to what other young people told them.

"The Young Listeners themselves learned a lot and have grown and developed in confidence.

"The government has committed to spending £1.4 billion in children and young people's mental health services over the next five years. and, as more and more children are seeking support for their mental health, we wanted to know what young people want from these services."