ESSEX University is to hold a series of free online talks to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by young people.

Led by lecturers in psychosocial and psychoanalytic studies, the sessions aim to provide an insight into issues such as self-harm and challenging behaviour.

Attendance of the courses is free of charge.

The first session is due to take place on Friday, May 13, where the head of the psychosocial and psychoanalytic studies at the university will run a session on understanding and working with self-harm.

Dr Chris Nicholson, who has worked in children’s services for several years, helped set up The Junction, which is a young people’s service for mental health charity Colchester MIND.

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Next month, Professor Sue Kegerreis, who is well-known for her work in psychodynamic counselling, will introduce some of the less obvious factors at work in children who are disruptive or difficult to manage.

The session will take place on Tuesday, June 14.

Chris Tanner, senior lecturer in the university's department of psychosocial and psychoanalytic Studies, said: “We’re committed to supporting all who work with vulnerable, or traumatised clients through learning about relational approaches, based on psychodynamic thinking.”

Registration for the course is available via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/why-wont-they-behave-why-cant-they-learn-tickets-304681399267.