A 'powerful message' about the fear of mental health problems in young people will be spread in a new play across Redbridge schools.

“Help Me, I’m Normal” will be performed to over 5,000 secondary school pupils to help address the stigma of mental health issues including self-harm, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders.

The play, which will visit over a dozen Redbridge Schools, follows Amy and Troy, who are each dealing with a mental health issue; exploring their thoughts and relationships as seen through their own eyes, and the eyes of parents and friends.

It also looks at the effects of social media, exam pressure, body image, puberty and relationships on the mental health of young people.

The play which opened last night (November 9) at Redbridge Drama Centre in Churchfields, South Woodford was put on using part of a £100,000 Youth Council fund issued last year.

Cabinet member for young people Elaine Norman said: “I was incredibly impressed by the powerful messages in this play and the way that it encourages young people to recognise mental health issues and removes the stigma of addressing them and talking about them.

“One in four people in the UK deal with mental health issue each year so it’s very important that young people learn to recognise the signs, feel secure to talk to others, and seek support where they need to.”