Mental health student support service to expand

WATCH: ITV Anglia's Russell Hookey reports on the growth of Chat With Charlie

An online support service named after a student from Colchester who took his own life is being expanded to another university.

'Chat With Charlie' was launched in March 2018 at the University of Essex, and will now be offered at Writtle University College.

The online chatroom is run by the Charlie Watkins Foundation, named after a student from Colchester who died while studying at the University of York.

Charlie took his own life shortly after appearing on Take Me Out Credit: ITV Studios

It was founded by his brother Harry, who said he wanted to prevent anyone else going through what his brother did.

He said: "We didn't want anyone else to fell left out, feel alone and go through the same pain he did. It was apparent that the more we dug up and unearthed the issue, it was a bigger one than we thought."

Information on how to access Chat With Charlie have been included in bags provided to first years at Writtle.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can contact the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

Freshers at Writtle University College have been told how they can access Chat With Charlie Credit: ITV Anglia