A PROJECT aimed at improving mental health among youngsters in Wem will be launched from next week.

From Monday, June 14, the Heads Up Project will take place at Wem Youth Club in the evenings.

The project will allow anyone from school years six to 11 to speak to a professional youth worker.

The sessions will take place from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Penny O'Hagan, clerk of Wem Town Council, said the project was to give something back to any of the town's youth who are struggling with their mental health.

"The Heads Up mental health project is something the town council has wanted to start in the town over the last year.

"Therefore we've been busy raising funds, through grants and donations and we're really pleased that it is opening.

"The sessions will be open for young people who may be struggling with stress or anxiety, who can have a formal chat with a youth worker.

"We set it up as there is a similar project in Shrewsbury but for many people in Wem it is not feasible to travel.

"The youth club is in the centre of town and we hope any young person can just walk in and talk to a youth worker.

"Though lockdown a lot have struggled so it's just to give that little extra boost for people in the town and to have a sympathetic ear to listen."

Penny added: "The Heads Up project will be run by Shropshire Youth Association will initially be for one year.

"It has been made possible by generous donations from local organisations including Connexus Housing, Wem Rotary, The Robert Hill Trust and funds raised during Councillor Connie Granger's mayoral term.

"The balance is funded by the town council."