YOUNG people with emotional and behavioural issues in Malmesbury and surrounding areas will be able to receive the help they need thanks to new funding.

Malmesbury Mind Reset received £1,800 from the Area Board to continue its work last month, following a recommendation by the Local Youth Network.

The initiative aims to help those suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, fear and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Youngsters aged 13-19 will be able to get free help after school in one-to-one sessions or in groups, depending on the severity of the issue. The initiative is also available to disabled people up until the age of 25.

Denise Little, 50, runs the project and is pleased to have receive funding to continue it in 2016.

She said: “We did a pilot scheme last year as Ollie [Phipps], who was community youth officer for Wiltshire Council at the time, wanted something to help young people with anxiety, exam stress and depression.

“We took on eight young people for six sessions to work through any anxieties they had.

“The difference in some of them has been fantastic.

“Since the pilot, there has been demand for it to continue.”

Denise is a trained psychotherapist but her background is in teaching. She started the initiative having been frustrated by the lack of available help for youngsters.

All too aware of how important seeking help for psychological issues is at a young age, she is looking forward to continuing to help youngsters in the area.

“There is not a lot of help for young people and some fall through the loop,” she continued.

“Lots of people need the help but don’t go and get it because they don’t know how.

“If you have psychological issues, you don’t want to take them into adulthood, you just have to deal with them later on. It stops you doing so much when you’re older.

“If you can deal with them now, the world is at your feet.”

Ollie Phipps, now community engagement manager in Malmesbury for Wiltshire Council, said: “This is one of those subjects young people always need support with.

“It’s important for us to be supporting and providing positive leisure time activities for them.”

To find out more information about Malmesbury Mind Reset you can visit the website at mindreset.co.uk or call Denise on 07854 031523.