A SCHEME to train young people to offer support to each other in five schools and a college in East Lancashire has been launched.

Subjects covered include bullying, relationships, internet safety and body image.

Lancashire County Council has teamed up with mental health charity Mind to pilot the scheme to help teenagers to help their fellow pupils to tackle health and wellbeing issues.

It is being rolled out at Nelson and Colne College, Mount Carmel High School in Accrington, Colne Primet Academy and Saints John Fisher and Thomas More High School in Colne, West Craven High School in Barnoldswick and Oswaldtwistle’s Ryddings High School.

Young people who volunteer will be trained by experts from Lancashire Mind on how they can help others with issues they feel are important.

Each school involved will choose how the support will be provided and which subjects to cover.

The innovative scheme aims to tackle the health and wellbeing related issues that are constantly growing in schools.

Nelson South councillor Azhar Ali, county health and wellbeing boss, said: “We hope this project will have a very positive impact on young people over the next 18 months.

“This project came about because we were talking to young people about what type of support would make a difference to their health.

“They said their biggest challenge would be helping them with their mental wellbeing. Issues like cyber bulling and stress were regularly mentioned.”

County schools boss Matthew Tomlinson said: “Concerns such as substance misuse, sexual health and weight are often difficult to talk about and research shows they often feel more comfortable speaking to someone the same age.

“Young people face many challenges and we need to find the best way to help and support them to make sure they feel well.”

Louise Clarkson, children and young people service manager from Lancashire Mind, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support young people to address the health and wellbeing issues that they think are important.”

“At the same time, the peer supporters are promoting their own mental wellbeing through connecting with their peers, learning new skills, being aware of both the issues and assets within their schools and by giving their time.”

The scheme, known as the Young People’s Peer Support Health and Wellbeing Project, is being organised and managed by Lancashire County Council.