The youth council has won an award for its work on mental health.

Epping Forest Youth Council came first in the 2018 National Crimebeat Awards in recognition of its MiLife mental health project.

A mix of past and present youth councillors collected the £1,000 prize from HRH Duchess of Gloucester on April 18, with current youth councillor Adam Freeman joined by former youth councillors Matthew Tinker, Joseph Pascoe and Leonora Troshupa to give a short presentation and receive the award at the Royal National Hotel in London.

MiLife was designed for 11 to 16 year olds to help them better understand and manage their own emotional wellbeing and mental health.

It advises where they could go for more help and support when problems arise.

Mr Tinker: “We’re thrilled to win first prize.

"This award goes to all the youth councillors, past and present, who helped create the wonderful MiLife project.

"MiLife shows that you are not alone and there are people waiting to help you if you get in touch with them.”

The MiLife Roadshow visited secondary schools in the Epping Forest district.

Pupils watched a theatre piece acted out by the Red Balloon Foundation group.

Mr Pascoe addedd: “MiLife was born following the 2015 Epping Forest Youth Conference where the young people who attended listed mental health as one of the top issues concerning them.

“MiLife aims to give young people a greater understanding of what to do if they feel mentally ill but also how to help themselves keep a healthy and happy mind.

Go to www.milife.org.uk to find out more.