THE Hampshire branch of an NHS mental health service has launched a new campaign to focus on looked-after children.

NHS Foundation Trust's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) will run 'Hear Me' until the end of 2019.

The campaign will provide young people in care with opportunities to gain skills to help boost their self esteem through events, including projects with schools, art installations and drama courses.

Lao Cooper, head of service for Hampshire CAMHS, said: "We are very pleased to launch our new campaign and this year we are proud to be focusing on emotional wellbeing for children in care.

"Anyone of any age can experience a mental health difficulty, and for children in care, children on the edge of care or young people who might already be experiencing many challenges in their lives, it is so important that any difficulties are understood and supported."

There are over 1,600 children in care across the county and according to Ofsted, over 70,000 young people in the UK are in care, which is around 1 per cent of all young people in the country.

Lao added: "We hope that this campaign will raise greater awareness, understanding and increase support available."

‘Hear Me’ follows last year’s ‘Everybody Campaign’, which raised awareness of eating disorders and the importance of self-esteem and a positive body image

More information can be found at hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk.