What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?

That’s the question Maidstone writer Chelsea Reay is posing as part of a project to tackle low self esteem and depression in young people, and which has seen advice flood in from film stars and TV personalities.

The 30-year-old copywriter is asking adults to post a letter to themselves online, anonymously, sharing their hopes and fears from their younger years.

The aim is to show teenagers feeling lonely and insecure others been through the same struggles and come out the other end.

Miss Reay, of River Bank Close, said: “However much we rose tint it in adulthood, growing up can be a tough and lonely experience. Today, one in five teenagers will experience depression, while millions more will suffer from low self esteem.

“Growing up, I genuinely felt I would never fit into my own skin, and it really surprised me how many of the letters we’ve received share exactly the same insecurities.”

‘Don’t be afraid of failure’, ‘learn to love yourself’ and ‘don’t start smoking’ are among the nuggets of wisdom being passed on, with letters ranging from the humorous to the brutally honest.

Among the scores of contributors who have got involved so far are Twilight actor Michael Sheen, The One Show host Alex Jones, celebrity chef Rustie Lee and wildlife presenters Chris Packham and Steve Backshall.

Miss Reay added: “It started out as my own letter to my younger self and then those of family and friends so I’m amazed and overwhelmed by the support it has got from celebrities.

“Eventually I’d like to take the advice out to young people in schools.

“If just one teenager today feels like they’re less alone and misunderstood as a result of this project, then it has worked.”

Visit selfesteemat15.tumblr.com or search @SelfEsteemAt15 on Twitter to see the advice and letters so far.

What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self? Tell us below...