SCHOOL bouncy castles could help to tackle a mental health crisis affecting hundreds of children in Darlington.

Almost 600 of the town’s primary school children and 850 secondary school children are living with mental health disorders, research has revealed.

Experts say issues around self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts are soaring among young pupils across the borough.

In response to the growing problem authorities across the town have launched a Transformation Plan.

The plan aims to tackle the issue by improving access to health and support for young people and implementing a series of measures in the community.

Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council’s member for Children and Young People, said most schools were already doing their best to address mental health concerns.

Some have already introduced measures including stress-relieving bouncy castles prior to exams and mindfulness techniques.

Cllr Hughes said: “Especially during exam times stress levels rocket, some children can’t sleep and many have difficult issues outside of school.

“Schools have been introducing things like head massages and bouncy castles to help pupils blow off steam before classes.”

She added that failure to address mental health issues could have a huge impact on the future of Darlington’s young people.

She said: “On a human level, it will be a crying shame if this is not dealt with because the potential of so many people could be lost or diminished.

“Mental health issues have a serious impact and we need to reduce the stigma so that young people will talk about it.

“The suicide rate in Darlington is extremely high, for young men especially, and young people need information and they need support.

“The good news is that there’s really positive stuff happening and people are starting to take this seriously.”

Recent figures show there were 957 referrals to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) in Darlington in 2014/15, compared to 733 in 2013/14.

Referrals to the County Durham and Darlington Community Eating Disorder Service were also up from 45 in 2013/14 to 62 in 2014/15.

Child admissions for mental health related reasons are higher than the regional and national averages and stand at 140.6 out of 100,000 of the population.

Darlington’s Transformation Plan will include an anti-stigma campaign, a mindfulness project in schools, youth mental health first aid and improving access and waiting times for those in crisis.

SELF-HARM, skinny models, suicidal thoughts, social media, stigma and shame.

They’re the issues at the heart of a mental health crisis affecting thousands of children across the North-East, according to a Darlington student.

Jessica Halliday has seen the lives of many of her friends affected by mental illness.

The 16-year-old is calling for change before more young lives are lost.

She said: “I’ve seen close friends struggle with anorexia and self-harm and people do not understand these issues.

“A lot of girls I meet have self-harmed or stopped eating and it often comes from confidence issues, from believing and being told they’re just not good enough.

“Many have been bullied and told they’re ugly - they can take it very seriously and turn it inwards.

“I’ve known people slit their wrists, I’ve known them stop eating, have suicidal thoughts.

“For most it doesn’t get as far as trying to kill themselves but I’ve known it happen with a few.

Ms Halliday believes the internet is exacerbating mental health issues with a new generation of problems.

She said: “The internet is having a very dramatic impact, especially with image.

“There are so many issues with image, with models online and in magazines having a different shape to you.

“Those skinny models look good to us because the boundaries have changed.

“The internet also makes it easier for bullies, with anonymous insults and no escape.

“All of this lessens your image of yourself and you try to change yourself to fit in and make others like you.

“You never feel good enough.”

Exam stress and rising poverty levels are also having an impact on teens, many of whom are being forced to balance work and education, says Ms Halliday.

As part of her bid to become a Youth MP for Darlington, Ms Halliday is currently campaigning to introduce mental health advice to classrooms, in a bid to reduce stigma and improve support.

She said:  “If you’re struggling, please seek help and talk to someone who’s been through it.

“There is help out there and you can get better.”