A MENTAL health service for young people from Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Community Trust is fighting fit thanks to a Government cash injection.

The Primary Care Liaison/Consultation Service, based in Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, was set up in response to a survey among adolescents seeking help and advice about the pressures of modern teenage life.

It was one of the first of its kind in the North West and was designed to help young people develop their full potential and grow up to lead fulfilled and happy lives.

And the success of the project is such that in two years the original team of four has increased to eleven, mainly due to the Government giving out £84 million to be spent on mental health nationally.

"We're delighted that we have been successful in all our bids for funding," says Dave Eaton, head of the service and a community mental health nurse specialising in caring for children. Dave was also involved in the initial feasibility study and isn't surprised by the team's success.

"Families don't always need to see a psychiatrist as long as skilled help is available," he added. "There was tremendous potential for a nurse-led service like ours. Unfortunately, there's still a stigma attached to it, but I would tell any parent that seeking help from a school nurse, health visitor or GP before problems get entrenched is a very positive thing to do. "

If you need the help of the team you can be referred only through a health professional.