Chris Packham, the BBC TV presenter and naturalist, has agreed to become the patron of Winchester Youth Counselling (WYC), the charity providing mental health counselling and support for young people in the district.

WYC supports young people struggling with complex mental health challenges including anxiety and depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

CEO Erin McMurtry said: “With long waiting times for NHS mental health services, WYC counselling is in increased demand.

“We are doubling our free counselling and support provision in 2022 to support young people as quickly as we can.”

Chris is no stranger to the mental health challenges posed to young people. His July 2021 BBC1 programme Chris Packham: The Walk that Made Me, saw Chris walking the Itchen Navigation, reminiscing about his childhood and offering a very personal account of his own mental health difficulties as a young man.

Chris said: “I am very happy to become WYC’s patron and hope that I can raise the charity’s profile and draw more public support for this critical service for local young people.”

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Sian Searles, WYC trustee, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Chris Packham has agreed to be our patron.

“What better personality than Chris, who has lived through his own mental health issues, to be the figurehead of WYC.”

Chris’ passion for wildlife and conservation will complement the growth of WYC’s Nature Therapy and Walk & Talk programmes planned for the coming year.

“We would like to thank Chris for agreeing to become our patron,” said Erin. “We are incredibly grateful and hopeful we can achieve so much more with his support.”

Chris will be formally welcomed as WYC patron at an event later this year.

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