A drive to train 100 mental health first aiders on Anglesey has hit its first milestone.

Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie’s Mental Health 100 campaign, launched in January, has signed up its 100th applicant to the course which trains participants to povide life-saving support for individuals with mental health problems.

“When I launched the Campaign, I did not want to put a timescale on achieving 100 trainees,” she said.

“I thought that we could aim for 100 within a year, but to achieve that number in just over a month is phenomenal.

“Covid has been no barrier to the enthusiasm the project has generated and it shows just how much the island cares about this issue.

“I know many people are struggling with lockdown, for example, so the need is really there and I cannot wait to see these volunteers out helping in the months to come."

Virginia has partnered with the Local Conversations Project at Môn CF to deliver the training.

It is anticipated the £55 cost of the course for each person will be met by donations secured by Virginia and Môn CF, but sponsors are still needed.

To ensure the volunteers are properly trained, Môn CF offers online learning courses accredited by the FAA (First Aid Awards Ltd), which is regulated by Ofqual.

“Although we have reached our target of 100 volunteers there is still time and space for anyone who wants to get involved to step forward and make a huge difference to people’s lives,” added Mrs Crosbie.

If you would like to become one of Anglesey’s Mental Health 100 or if you would like to sponsor someone to take the course, please visit https://virginiacrosbie.co.uk/mentalhealth100/