Charities supporting children and families tackling mental health issues are being backed by the Twickenham MP Munira Wilson.

The MP is raising funds through sponsorship as she prepares to run the famous Cabbage Patch 10 mile run on October 18.

The borough has seen a rising mental health crisis, particularly among the young, which appears to have worsened due to the pandemic. However, the area has seen long waiting lists for treatment and support.

Tackling issues around children's mental health has been one of Munira Wilson's biggest priorities since becoming an MP.

She told MPs in the House of Commons in February: "From the moment I was I elected I have had a relentless stream of parents, carers and young people coming to me, often waiting a year or more, if they are very lucky six months, to access desperately needed support."

The MP has proposed a Private Members Bill that would require the government to provide an annual report on children's mental health services to help understand where improvements to services, such as efforts to reduce waiting times, are needed.

She is also calling for the appointment of a trained mental health expert in every school.

Munira said: "Behind every number…there is a child who is struggling to do every day normal activities that every young person should be able to do, or tragically taking their own lives as happened with a year 11 pupil in my constituency last year.

"There are parents tearing their hair out. The tragedy is, if we could intervene earlier, we wouldn't end up with so many children in crisis."

Munira is raising money for what she described as two 'incredible Twickenham charities', which support children and young people who are struggling with their mental health. They are The Purple Elephant Project and Off the Record Twickenham.

The Purple Elephant Project offers mental health outreach services in Richmond and Hounslow schools, and other venues, plus therapy services in is a specially designed centre in Twickenham, otherwise known as the Hub.

Off The Record Twickenham, which offers free and confidential counselling, walk-in information and a sexual health clinic for young people aged 11-24.

Its team help improve the emotional and mental well-being of over 1,500 young people a year at a time when they are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety.

People can support Munira Wilson's fundraising efforts by sponsoring her at this link – https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/muniras-cabbage-patch-10