A LEADING politician has backed plans to roll out mental health support for schoolchildren across Cumbria.

Copeland Conservative group leader, David Moore, joined education secretary, Justine Greening, in welcoming new measures which will see mental health services for children and young people transformed.

Prime Minister Theresa May recently pledged to end the mental health stigma after research showed that more than half of mental health problems start by the time someone reaches the age of 14.

As part of the new proposals outlined by Mrs May, every school in the UK will be offered mental health first aid training to increase awareness around mental health and help to tackle the unacceptable stigma around the issue.

Mr Moore said: "These new proposals will ensure children and young people in Copeland receive the compassion, care and the treatment they deserve.

"Mental healthcare will be improved in schools, workplaces and universities and those suffering from mental illness will be able to access the right care for their needs, whilst we tackle the injustices people with mental health problems face.”

Mrs Greening added: "We want every young person in Cumbria to grow up feeling confident about themselves and their future."