A £70,000 pot of cash has been awarded to help young people facing mental health issues in Ottery and Axminister.

The news that Children in Need would be awarding the much needed funds over the next three years was announced by the charity Action East Devon this week.

It comes at the same time that a young people in the town have called for urgent action to improve mental health services for the younger generation in Ottery.

Action East Devon is a leading charity that works with the people, communities and organisations of East Devon to create the services and support they need to live happier and healthier lives.

The charity plans to use the money to support young people with mental health issues in East Devon through its Headlight project.

Headlight runs peer support mental health groups for young people in East Devon.

The peer support sessions provide young people with the opportunity to build new friendships in a caring and non-judgmental environment, learn coping strategies and engage in fun activities to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

One young person who goes to the peer-support sessions in the area said: “Headlight is the only support that has actually worked for me.

“The volunteers are all amazing and it’s so wonderful being surrounded by people who understand me.”

Emma Curtis, Headlight’s manager, added: “Headlight enables young people who are experiencing emotional distress to access support in a fun and informal way.

“I’m proud of our passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers who are helping young people to focus on their strengths and to develop tools and skills to build their emotional resilience.

“I am thrilled that, because of this Children in Need funding, we are in a position to run sessions for the next three years in Ottery and Axminster.”

Emma said: “The funding will go towards running the under-18 groups over the next three years.

“The Ottery St Mary groups for under 18s and 18+ are provided by Action East Devon in partnership with Ottery Help Scheme and the Ottery Hospital League of friends who have also generously supported the venture.”