A GOVERNMENT minister will visit East Lancashire this week to look at a unique project which helps young people with mental health problems.

Education Minister Ivan Lewis will visit the Healthy Minds Service at Witton Park City Learning Centre on Friday - World Mental Health Day - to discuss mental health issues.

The event is just one taking place across the area as health, education and social care organisations host a week-long range of activities focusing on young people.

Kate Rhee, of the Healthy Minds Service, said: "We are an innovative project which places a full-time mental health professional in five participating high schools in Blackburn with Darwen - Witton Park, Darwen Vale, Darwen Moorland, Queen's Park and Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College - to work with children suffering from psychological difficulties and their families.

"The aim of these events is to get people thinking about mental health and stimulate individual emotional and overall health and well being. By raising awareness it is also hoped to stamp down hard on the stigma that can be attached to mental health."

The week-long celebrations will culminate on Friday evening in a 'rock cafe' for teenagers organised by the Healthy Minds Service. Teenagers will be encouraged to explore their creative side and take part in music and henna tattoo workshops.

Other events will include a 'drop in' session for parents of children under four to find out more about head and baby massage and Reiki healing. Sure Start will host the drop-in on Friday.