FOUR students from a Basingstoke college took part in a charity walk to raise awareness of a mental health charity.

The teenagers from Queen Mary’s College (QMC), in Cliddesden Road, walked 13km for Young Minds.

Harrison, Robin, and Lizzie – all aged 17, along with 16-year-old Polly met at QMC before setting off on the route, which took them into the countryside for a ‘mindful walk’.

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(Image: QMC) The group wanted to support Young Minds which supports young people who may be struggling through difficult times.

Polly said: “We were struck by the fact that one in 10 young people deliberately harm themselves regularly and we knew we wanted to help make a change.”

Young Minds is the UK's leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

It creates change so that children and young people can cope with life's adversities, find help when needed, and succeed in life.

Lizzie said: “We were given the opportunity by our college to participate in QMC social action week and we have created a JustGiving page and an Instagram account (@qmc_youngminds2024) to promote the charity and raise awareness of this widespread problem.”

Speaking after the walk, Polly said: “The walk went well. We enjoyed every moment of it spending time outside surrounded by such scenic views of nature.”

Find out more about YoungMinds at youngminds.org.uk.