A NEW service to improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people is being launched on Anglesey.

Children on the island coping with issues such as bereavement, family breakdown, self harm, depression, bullying or social isolation will get the help from the Barnardo's Cymru charity after it was given a Big Lottery grant.

The Barnardo’s Ynys Môn Wellbeing Project has been awarded almost £500,000 to help 226 eight to 18-year-olds and their parents over the next three years.

They will receive 12 weeks of one-to-one support to help them build resilience while their parents will be able to develop the skills they need to help their children.

Sarah Crawley, director of Barnardo’s Cymru, said the project was a response to a major gap in provision for young people who don’t qualify for statutory mental health services but are struggling to cope.

She said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of children in need of mental health support and many are not getting the help they need.

“This funding will allow us to provide one to one support for those at risk of developing far more serious mental health issues, ensuring better outcomes for the future.”

Youngsters will be able to refer themselves as well as by professionals when the scheme starts in the Autumn.