A SUPPORT group for families of young people with mental health issues has won a national award.

Rollercoaster Parent Support Group won a Positive Practice Children & Young People’s Mental Health National Award for promoting whole family involvement and improving services in the community.

The group was set up by Wendy Minhinnett, of Spennymoor, her sister and a CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) nurse so families could find strength in each other.

It now helps hundreds of people with parent-to-parent support and professional services, holds meetings in Newton Aycliffe and Chester-le-Street and has a strong online community.

Ms Minhinnett said: “We're honoured and so proud. This journey started three years ago with two parents and a CAMHS nurse trying out a support group.

“We’ve developed a great partnership and supported many families over this time. We really hope we can continue to support many more families in the future and continue to make a difference to children and young people’s mental health.”

Durham County Council helped the group expand with CAMHS transformation funding from NHS North Durham and Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Groups.

CAMHS clinical lead Nicky Harmer has supported from the beginning and organises guest speakers on topics such as self-harm, anxiety, treatment options and positive thinking.

Tricia Reed, strategic commissioning manager at the council, said: “This is a very well-deserved award for Wendy, who has been an inspiration for parents of young people dealing with mental health issues and a role model for other professionals working within the field."

“Her hard work and dedication has made a real difference to people’s lives and we know the Rollercoaster Parent Support Group and the help and advice it provides is highly valued across the county.”

Michelle Haggar, of North of England Commissioning Support, said: “Wendy's dedication, determination and insight into being a parent of a child with mental health issues have made a huge difference.

“Parents have told us the Rollercoaster project is making a difference for them; they feel less isolated and have picked up tips and strategies to help them cope and help support their child.

"One of the biggest benefits is that parents feel that their voices are being heard.”