A CHARITY which provides mental health support said it has seen an increase in referrals in the last few months.

The CLD Trust in Hereford provides therapeutic services, including counselling, together with a range of early intervention, training and support services to improve mental health and wellbeing in the county.

To address the increase in referrals the charity has started a new fundraiser with distinctive donation boxes.

They have been distributed to individuals, schools, colleges and businesses to kick start the Change Chukka Challenge fundraiser.

Kerry Gibson-Yates, head of business development for The CLD Trust, said: "Our young Strong Young Minds champions and wellbeing ambassadors are really excited to launch this challenge fundraiser and hope that everyone will get involved, have fun and support it.

"We have seen a significant increase in referrals to all our services in recent months and by raising much needed funds it will allow us to extend our help and support to more young people across the county that need us."

Young people have started to collect their donation boxes and are planning a variety of activities to fundraise and raise awareness of young people’s mental health in the county.