A GROUP of Wirral youngsters have created a film about body image to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

The empowering project called 'Be Yourself' has been launched as part of the national awareness week starting today (Monday, May 13 to Sunday, May 19).

Devised by youngsters aged six to 20 the project aims to combat negative stereotypes surrounding body image.

Body image is the theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week and for many people, their bodies can be a source of shame and distress.

During the week charities, activists and organisations will get together to discuss body image to raise awareness and offer support to those who may need it.

Be Yourself was created and starred in by young people from Greenleas Primary, New Brighton Primary, Liscard Primary, members of Wirral’s Creative Youth Development, Wirral Youth Voice Group and more.

The film will then be sent to other youth groups and schools as a conversation starter around mental health issues.

Patric Rogers, a youth worker for Wirral Health Services in Schools said: “We’ve been working closely with the young people to enable them to express their thoughts and ideas around body image and the end result is an enthusiastic film where personality shines through.

“We are proud of everyone who took part and thankful for their hard work as well as the staff, teachers, youth workers and more who have supported this project.”

Supported by the Future in Minds Steering Group and staff from services including Action for Children, CAMHS, Wirral Council Children’s Services, Health Services in Schools and Wirral Youth Support Service, it is hoped that the film will encourage people of all ages to feel happy in the skin they are in.