Families of teenagers in the Sidmouth area are being invited to a free virtual workshop to help them understand the mental health issues that young people can experience – particularly since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The workshop takes place on Tuesday, January 26 at 7pm and will be hosted by leaders from the Charlie Waller Trust, a youth mental health charity.

It is being publicised by the local Wellbeing and Health Action Team (WHAT), who have been supporting children and young people throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Although their activities have been limited by the Covid restrictions and lockdowns, they have been able to work with schools and youth organisations to reach young people.

WHAT was set up in 2019 by the Sidmouth Health and Care Forum, whose chair Di Fuller said: "School closures and social distancing measures have had a big impact on how children and young people want to spend their time.

"Many studies have shown that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to poor mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic."

One of the resources recommended by WHAT is the '10 a day' poster, which is also used by the Early Help for Mental Health (EH4MH) project in schools.

It advises the following: Talk about your feelings; do something you enjoy and are good at; keep hydrated; eat well; keep active in mind and body; take a break; stay connected to those you care about; ask for help; be proud of your very being; and actively care for others.

Anyone wanting to join the Zoom workshop on the 26th is asked to email [email protected], and she will send the Zoom link.