The founder of a mental health charity said she was "very emotional" after scooping an inspiration award.

32-year-old Natasha Benjamin, who runs Free Your Mind from her home in Hermon Hill, Wanstead, won the Star Inspiration Award for her charity work.

The award was given as part of a conference held on Sunday by Lift Effects, an organisation that hosts events which gives people the opportunity to share their experiences and provide encouragement. 

Natasha founded the charity after her own experience of childhood domestic violence and mental illness and has since gone on to support hundreds of people across the UK through her charity and blog.

She said: “What a crazy and surreal weekend, it truly has been beautiful.

“I spoke at event on Saturday and shared my story, stuff I haven’t shared before out loud. 

“It was very emotional and I definitely cried!

“Everyone was so supportive towards me and now I’m so glad that I did do it.

“Getting an award blew my mind, I was super excited but nervous and can’t believe someone would award me for doing something that comes from my heart.

“Words can’t express how grateful I am.”

Miss Benjamin is qualified in mental health first aid and sits on a committee overseeing mental health provision in Waltham Forest.

Her Free Your Mind website provides support and advice to people facing mental health issues and can be found here.