A STUDENT is on a mission to end the stigma surrounding mental health by releasing a book full of letters people have written to their 16-year-old selves.

Hannah Todd has launched a new project entitled “hello me, it’s you” and is encouraging young people to send in letters about their experiences with mental health.

The Oxford Brookes university student came up with the idea last year when studying.

The 20-year-old from Headington said: “For my degree I need to complete either a dissertation or a major project. I have decided on a major project, and this is mine.

“I was told last year that I had mild depression and anxiety. I have some family and friends who had suffered, too, before. It’s not something that people talk about massively.

“But talking about it felt like an outlet for me and that was one of the most important things. I thought if I could provide an outlet for other people and raise awareness that would be amazing.”

Hannah has already received several letters from people hoping to be included in the book, after the project went live last Monday. She has also launched her own website and created a YouTube video introducing the project, which already has more than 500 views.

She added: “I was so nervous about telling every future employer or relationship that I was suffering from this. It’s scary. I don’t think it is right that people should worry about talking about this sort of thing .”

Hannah is calling on any businesses or individuals who might be able to help her with funding to get in touch.

If the book goes to print profits will go to mental health charities. She said: “If the book went to market, that would be incredible. Everyone has been really positive.”

* Visit hellomeitsyou.weebly.com. Anyone who wants to submit a letter must do so by October 11.