A YOUTH mental health group striving for change has hit the national headlines.

The We Will initiative, set up a year ago by teenagers in Maryport, has caught the attention of the BBC and a national newspaper.

The group, which won best youth community project at last year's West Cumbria Heroes Awards and a Golden Apple award, aims to improve mental health support for young people.

Two of the group's members, Jasmine Dean, 17 and Molly Robinson, 15, spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning. The group also featured in the Guardian newspaper this week.

Speaking to Rachel Burden on the radio show, Jasmine said: "We were really fed up with the long waiting lists that people had to be faced with in order to gain mental health support.

"We saw the impact that was having and really just wanted to do something about it. We're all really passionate about this issue.

"We felt that young people were perhaps the best people placed to make this change happen so we asked for help from various people and we got the group going."

As a result of their efforts, over 250 people have now been trained in mental health first aid.

Jasmine told the radio host that the training would equip people with the knowledge to help their peers if they are struggling.

"The main message we want to get across is just to listen better - have the courage to talk, have the courage to listen because no one is alone.

"That is the main message we want to get across and we really feel that it has got across in our area. We want that to go nationally."

The group, which is supported by the Ewanrigg Community Trust in Maryport, has met with Workington MP Sue Hayman, who has put their recommendations to the health minister.

Speaking on the radio show, the MP said: "You've done an incredibly impressive job. What you've managed to do as young people to further your needs and support your friends and your communities is hugely commendable."

Mrs Hayman said she now wants the young people to meet with the health minister.

"When you've put so much into something and been so successful in what you've achieved, I really think it's important that you're listened to in Parliament," she said.