THE blockbuster The Greatest Showman has inspired young people to be proud of who they are.

Young people and staff from a child and adolescent mental health service have recorded their own version of 'This is Me' to mark World Mental Health Day.

The song, an anthem celebrating people’s unique differences, has been performed by young people accessing Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust’s Winsford CAMHS service and some of its clinicians.

Mental health practitioner Rebecca Kinnear said: “I came up with the idea when listening to the song in the car as the lyrics really spoke to what many of our young people in CAMHS unfortunately experience, being judged and feeling isolated.

"I love how the song turns that on its head and spreads a positive message about being proud of who you are.”

Jack Ballard, Robbie Wilmot, Tessa Law-Lyons, Keira Swift, Lucy Smith and Imogen Leigh all star in the video alongside staff members Dennis Neill, Jessica Bull, Anne Casey, Ian Roberts and Rebecca.

Rebecca added: “There are several aims of the video. Firstly, to break down the stigma around mental health difficulties in young people and to try and change the narrative around it. We are trying to spread a more positive message.

“It was also to bring young people together to be a part of something they can be proud of and to help them literally have their voices heard!

"The idea of having staff involved was to represent that we stand alongside the young people we work with and that we support them.”

Tessa Law-Lyons, 15, who appears in the video, said: “I feel lucky to get this opportunity to spread awareness about mental health difficulties.

"It’s really important that people understand what it is so that they can try and minimise the stigma surrounding it and help people to feel that they can openly talk.

"It also helps spread the awareness that CAMHS exists and how much it changes the lives of people who struggle with mental health difficulties and get support.”

The group is grateful to various people who helped them record the song.

Treona Holden gave singing coaching, Orchard studios provided recording studio, with filming from James Kinnear and editing from Bigger Boat film’s Eric Revill-Dews, all provided free of charge.

Dr Fiona Pender, CWP strategic clinical director for children young people and families, said: “I would like extend my gratitude to everyone that helped make this wonderful recording possible, and particularly pay special tribute to the amazingly talented young people who took part.

“The song’s message represents the values we all strive for - that we can be proud and accepting of who we are and of each other. It is a wonderful gesture to recognise this World Mental Health Day.”