Society must do more to support young people when it comes to mental health, according to new report.

Analysis by the Young Harrow Foundation (YHF) showed that children as young as 11 are struggling with mental health issues, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Data collected from 4,500 young people across the borough aged 10-19 found that mental health and wellbeing was the key issue facing their generation.

And Dan Burke, chief executive of the YHF, said he was “alarmed” to hear that so many young people in Harrow feel as if they have nowhere to turn.

He said: “We really struggle with funding [in Harrow] as it’s seen as this lovely, leafy borough on the outskirts of London.

“But nobody has actually sat down with these young people before and asked, ‘what do they think?’

“We found that so many of them need and want support, but they don’t know where to get it from – that has to change.”

He added that he has never seen a study make use of such a wide amount of data and he urged people to stand up and take notice.

“We have to look at the way we are doing things and question why it is not working,” he said.

“We have to stop looking at isolated issues – GCSEs, youth violence, employment opportunities – and take a more holistic approach to improving the lives of young people.

“This report is a call to arms to see how everyone can play a role in the borough – from larger organisations to all the small and medium-sized businesses.”

According to the statistics, one in five young people said they need mental health support or know someone who does.

And 17 per cent of respondents said they need help with suicidal thoughts, or know someone who does, while 15 per cent listed self-harm as a support need.

Two in five participants said they would like help to improve their confidence.

Mr Burke explained that the YHF is working with Harrow Council, Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group and the Metropolitan Police.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “There are some shocking statistics in this report and my hope now is that more young people are willing to talk about mental health with the honesty and candour of these young people.

“They’ve thrown down a challenge to us and, believe me, we’re listening.

“I want to forge a new approach with local community groups and charities that sets Harrow towards being a leader in mental wellness.”

Visit www.youngharrowfoundation.org to read the full report.