A BASINGSTOKE children’s mental health charity has been named ‘Charity of the Year’ by Site Equip, and is calling for support from across the borough.

YPI are a mental health charity for young people aged 11-25 which offers counselling and mentoring for young people dealing with many mental health issues.

Jayne Bristow, of YPI, said: “As you can imagine at this time of crisis demand has been higher than ever with experts expecting a tsunami of mental health issues over the next 10 years.

“After a short application to Site Equip, the south’s leading supplier of welfare and sanitation facilities for the events and construction industry, and a vote by their employees, we were delighted to be chosen as their charity of the year.

“It is vital for us to gain the support of the community both to promote our services and show the young people of Basingstoke and Deane we can help but also raise funds to allow us to reach more young people.

“The support of a local company is amazing and it was such welcome news in this tough time.

“We are still in vital need of more support as the demand for our services grows and this can be in many forms from financial, fundraising, help with the website and many other roles. We are happy to work with both individuals and companies who feel they can offer help and support. Any money raised goes directly to help the young people of Basingstoke.”