TIM Gill, Mayor of Ludlow, has been supporting health and well being for young people in the town over the past year.

This is a project that has been run in Shrewsbury and Oswestry by The Children’s Society.

It is designed to support youngsters, anyone under 25, who have emotional health and wellbeing issues so that their needs are met at an early stage before they have escalated.

Parent and carer support can be given in conjunction with a young person.

It has been running in Ludlow fortnightly since January.

“Although it is being supported financially by a number of local groups, we still need to raise funds to meet the annual running costs of about £10,000,” said Mr Gill.

“Just how great that need is, was evident from the first session when over 45 youngsters turned up. It is run by specialist workers and trained volunteers.

“Ian Barge, a local writer and former Head of English and Drama at Ludlow college and also, my old English teacher at the Grammar School, knew about my charity, contacted me and offered to help raise funds through a collection of his verse entitled ‘Let there be light verse,’ a collection of irreverent poems with pieces. All profits from the sale are going to my charity.”

‘Let there be light verse’ is being sold by The Castle Book Shop, price £5.

To support the clinical team and the young people accessing the drop-in support, the Children’s Society is recruiting ‘Wellbeing Volunteers’ from the community. Full training is given, and ongoing mentoring support can be offered to the 16-25 year old group.

If anyone is interested in finding out more, contact Erica Garner on 07974001310

Caption: Tim Gill, Ian Barge and Stanton Stevens for the Castle Book Shop.