A HAMPSHIRE MP is supporting a mental health charity for young people while services continue to be overwhelmed with referrals.

Meon Valley MP, Flick Drummond, attended the YoungMinds event in Westminster to discuss the rise in young people suffering with mental health problems following the pandemic.

Mrs Drummond, who is a member of the education select committee, went to the event after receiving a letter from one of her constituents. Health minister Maria Caulfield also spoke.

Mrs Drummond said: “The rise in the number of young people with mental health issues is very concerning and I thank Lauren for writing to me.

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“The government is recognising that action must be taken and I was pleased to see the minister at the event.

“Ministers have announced more than £24m to improve mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges and to train mental health leads in schools.

“This recognises how young people have been impacted by covid and now the cost of living and it is welcome alongside increased funding back in 2021.

“However, it is important this issue remains in the spotlight and I thank YoungMinds for organising the event.”

The charity aims to provide young people, parents and the adults who work with them with the tools to look after their mental health.

For more information go to youngminds.org.uk/.