A YOUNG Kendal masters graduate is arranging an event she hopes will improve awareness of mental health issues in the area and how such matters can be tackled.

Clarissa O’Halloran, 24, has courageously faced mental health issues herself, and has also had to deal with the anguish of a member of her family taking their own life.

She has studied the whole field of mental health problems and strategies at length during her time at Leeds Beckett University, and now hopes to utilise that knowledge to help formulate ways of addressing what is becoming an increasing problem across society in general.

Ms O'Halloran has already launched a publicity drive about the event, which she has called 'Together Let’s Talk,' on Facebook and is hoping to host it on December 9 at Kendal's Castle Street Centre.

She is self-funding the event and therefore has a limited budget but has already made significant progress in contacting potential speakers.

"The group is for anybody who wishes to attend, who is passionate about mental health and anybody who wants to improve mental health in our town," said Ms O'Halloran.

"The aim of the event is to provide a space and create a community for people to come together to talk and support each other and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

"The event is open to everybody, as mental health can affect anybody at any age."

Ms O'Halloran would like to hear from anyone interested in attending the event or in assisting, and would particularly like to hear from mental health professionals who may be willing to speak at 'Together Let’s Talk.'

You can contact her at togetherletstalk@gmail.com or via the event's Facebook page.