2 years ago, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and it really changed my life. I never thought it would get to the point where I had to be taken under the care of the crisis team - and all because I wouldn't ask for help. Fast forward to the present day, and there are a lot of things I wish I had done differently, but I cant, however I want to share my experience and hope that I can use it to help and encourage young people to speak out and get the support they need, by creating an organisation which delivers mental health awareness workshops in schools, colleges and universities.

Mental health illnesses is something which people of all ages struggle with, however, it is becoming more prevalent amongst young people. Furthermore, the incident rate in the number of suicide committed by young people is also increasing. As an individual who has fought to be where I am today, I don't think its fair that young people resort to drastic actions because they feel like there is no one there to help.

My plan is very simple, I want to be able to raise awareness amongst young people about signs to look out for that they or someone they know may be displaying and what and where they can find help. I want to reduce the stigma attached to mental health illnesses so young people aren't afraid to ask for help. Finally, I want to share the message that they are not alone, and that they will get through it.

I honestly think if I had someone who did what I am hoping to do when I was at my lowest, and if I had a greater awareness of what I was going through, then my recovery would have been easier. However I can't go back in time, but I can try and use my experience going forward to help people, if its one individual or a thousand, if my story can help then it would have been worth it.

The money raised will be used to help register my organisation, purchase equipment, cover travel costs as well as training courses I hope to secure with the mental health charity, MIND.