New mental health champion for schools appointed for UK

The government has announced the appointment of TV pundit and writer Natasha Devon as the Department for Education's first ever mental health champion for schools.

Ms Devon will help to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around young people's mental health, as part of a wider government commitment to address this issue across all parts of society.

Her credentials include launching two organisations offering young people practical tips on dealing with mental health and body image concerns and delivering classes to more than 50,000 teenagers, as well as their parents and teachers.

Health minister Alistair Burt, said: "Mental health is a priority for this government and I'm proud that we are investing 1.25 billion pounds in services for children and young people over the next five years."

This money will transform local services to ensure every organisation involved with caring for children and young people works together to support them with their mental health, instead of this being the sole preserve of the NHS.

Additionally, the Department of Health and NHS England are investing 150 million pounds over the current parliament to improve eating disorder services, particularly in terms of the support they provide to young people.