A project to help youngsters tackle mental health problems is to get £10 million for its introduction across the county, starting in Gravesham.

Headstart is a national five-year Big Lottery Fund programme aimed at preventing thousands of children from experiencing common mental health problems.

The scheme has been piloted in Kent for two years, and after proving a big success, Kent County Council has received a huge amount of funding to help it continue for another five years.

More than 125,000 young people live in the county, and it is estimated that 19,000 of them will suffer with issues regarding emotional wellbeing. Headstart aims to reduce the number of young people referred to specialists by training young people as mentors.

It has already provided 22,000 young people across Kent with the skills and knowledge needed to better cope with everyday pressures, and also trained 650 adults and 450 children to help their friends.

St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School in Gravesend and Northfleet School for Girls have already trained pupils to be peer mentors. The grant will help make a difference within more schools, youth clubs, health services and the voluntary sector, and will start in Swale and Gravesham in September before being introduced to more districts across the county.

Cllr Roger Gough, KCC cabinet member for education, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this money and recognised as a local authority leading the way with these innovative approaches.

“We plan to use the £10 million to prevent potential mental health issues occurring in young people by giving them the skills to cope with life’s challenges. These skills should help reduce the number of referrals to specialist mental health services.

The Orchards Academy in Swanley has been leading the pilot, with 27 young people already trained as active listeners and another 12 as peer mentors. The school has also opened a HeadStart Safe Space, a place for young people to relax and reflect.

"Support from projects such as HeadStart can literally offer a lifeline to a student who is struggling to manage their fears and emotions"- Natalie Willbourn

More than 30 families at the school have benefited from the Family Focus project, which helps children with the move from primary to secondary school.

Natalie Willbourn, head teacher at Orchards Academy, said: “Being a young person in 21st century Britain brings such immense pressure.

“By enabling them to take responsibility for their own mental health and wellbeing they can build their own resilience, which puts them in a strong position as they grow. It is invaluable.”