Dame Priti Patel went for a tour around a mental health facility for young people in Colchester.

During her visit to the St Aubyn Centre, the Witham MP spoke to representatives from a range of organisations about ongoing efforts to bolster mental health services while understanding the specific needs of neurodiverse children.

Organisations involved included the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, North East London NHS Foundation Trust and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Dame Priti said: "It was wonderful to visit the St Aubyn Centre and to see the incredible work they do with young people in the local community and how they positively impact young people’s lives.

"The professional teams in this facility provide incredible support and care to the young people using the services and it was a pleasure to speak to them more about the important work they do day in and day out."

Completed in 2012, The St Aubyn Centre offers specialised support for young individuals grappling with mental health issues such as depression, self-harm, psychosis, severe trauma reactions, and emotional dysregulation.

The centre steps in when the risks outweigh available community resources.