A new initiative launched by the council is underway to improve mental health services for young people in St Albans.

The work, which includes a survey to identify the gaps in the services, is being undertaken by the St Albans District Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

St Albans Youth Council (SAYC) and Youth Connextions are working with the health and wellbeing department to carry out this project.

Debi Roberts, who works for Youth Connextions, said they have written two reports with SAYC investigation counselling services for students in secondary schools.

She said: "I am proud to be a part of this project. I get to work with motivated young people who live in a district where they are listened to.

"It’s too easy to assume as adults that we fully understand the problem and the best solution. Co-creating services with young people is the right way forward. It’s localism at its best."

Mental health problems that often affect young people identified in the SAYC report include stress associated with bullying and exam pressure, self-harm and eating disorders.

Cllr Alec Campbell said: "The Youth Council has done a lot of important work and the Partnership wants to help them continue with that.

"We want to develop a robust package of initiatives and an effective network of support for young people in the District. The fact that young people are closely involved in the work will help us get it right."