HUNDREDS of young people have been given a talk on tackling the sensitive issue of self-harm.

Darlington Mind has delivered prevention awareness training to more than 400 young people in the first three months of their new project.

The new project, funded by BBC’s Children In Need, aims to reach out to every young person in the town to provide valuable advice, information and support.

Seven children are already accessing specialist counselling from Darlington Mind and a network of Peer Support groups are planned in schools, colleges and academies.

Gary Emerson, the chief executive officer of Darlington Mind, said “This is a great start to our first Young Persons project but it also shows how much of a need there is for this vital support. Too many young people are taking their own lives, self-harming or are at risk of suicide and local agencies must do more to support young people locally.

“Our partnership approach will enable us to reach almost all of the 8,000 11-18 year olds who live in Darlington. We will run at least 30 workshops over the next three years to young people in schools and colleges, youth clubs and in a variety of settings.”

Darlington has been identified as a hotspot for self-harming with an estimated one in 12 children reporting they have self-harmed.

According to the charity, the demand for services are at their highest level for ten years with a 16 per cent increase in the number of people supported in the last 12 months.

Further information on the work of Darlington Mind call Mr Emerson on 01325-283169.