Religious leaders are encouraging young people to take advantage of a charity’s pioneering mental health service.

Those at the KSIMC of London, based at the Husaini Islamic Centre in Wood Lane, Stanmore, want its members to embrace the support offered by children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Harrow Horizons, which was jointly commissioned by the NHS and Harrow Council, provides targeted support for children and young people up to 18, and up to 25 for those with disabilities and special educational needs.

Mustafa Jaffer, President of the KSIMC of London, who donated £500 to the service, said: “There are so many pressures on children and young people today.

“We all have a role to play in helping them to stay mentally well throughout childhood, adolescence and their teenage years.

“It’s so important that Barnardo’s and its partners are reaching out to vulnerable young people through services like Harrow Horizons.

“The KSIMC of London and the Muslim community in the borough are committed to doing all we can to support this initiative, whilst helping our members and their families understand that it’s ok to ask for help.”

Anyone can make a referral for the programme – by phone, email or face-to-face. Teachers, parents, health professionals and young people themselves are all welcome to make use of the service.

Lynn Gradwell, Director of Barnardo’s in London, explained how it was vital that organisations such as the KSIMC of London helped spread the word about the programme.

“Having the community behind us really helps to reinforce the idea that whatever age you are, it’s important to talk about mental health and the challenges that many of us will face in our lives,” she said.