Four teenagers have launched a new podcast tackling the daily pressures and mental health problems young people face.

Mason Rickard, 16, Princess Higgwe, 18, Emma Edgell and Jamal Helwig Dorris, both 15, all host and feature in the show.

The Gravesend residents are hoping to show youngsters they are not alone when facing problems and they can reach out for support.

Called Thrive, the podcast launches today as part of the Time To Talk Day - a national campaign which encourages conversation around mental health.

The foursome talk about the daily pressures they face at school, on social media, bullying, friendships and stress.

They have already recorded three episodes and are hoping to record at least one a month.

"We cover some difficult topics but we laugh a lot too." - Mason Rickard

Mason says the group cover difficult topics but manage to have a laugh as well.

He added: "We regularly discuss a range of different issues that affect young people when we meet at The Grand, so it seemed a natural fit to put it online as a podcast.

"We cover some difficult topics but we laugh a lot too. We want to normalise those awkward and embarrassing conversations which many of us may feel shy to approach, and hopefully help to break down the stigma surrounding these issues.”

The Grand Healthy Living Centre, in King Street, Gravesend assisted the youngsters in producing the show by helping learn the technical skills needed to record and edit the show.

Youth work manager at The Grand, Jackie Coupar, said: "We want to reach any young person who feels isolated, is struggling with life or just wants to hear the views of their friends and peers.

"It deals with the real things kids are facing these days. It’s frank, it’s funny, it’s refreshing and importantly, it lets our young people know that there are services available locally to help them.

“We work face-to-face with hundreds of young people, but we know there are thousands more in Gravesham who don’t access the advice on offer.

"Having a podcast means that anyone can listen at any time of day - in the privacy of their own home or on the bus to school.”

The Grand’s youth service, called Gifted Young Generation, offers young people a peer-to-peer support group, a professional counselling service as well as a wide range of creative workshops, which see young people grow in confidence, learn new skills and make new friends.

Thrive podcast is available to listen to online at: https://anchor.fm/thegrand.