A KIND-HEARTED Chester youngster put her own struggles aside and focused on helping other young people during the difficult lockdown.

Being isolated from friends due to coronavirus rules was 'devastating' for children according to a YoungMinds survey, which says anxiety, self-harming, panic attacks and loss of motivation are at an all-time peak.

Elizabeth White 12, from Hoole, suffered from low moods while not being able to attend school but decided to focus her attention on looking after others who had similar issues.

The former St Martin's Academy pupil, who now attends West Kirby Grammar School, put together care packages full of items which could help people stay occupied or relax, for distribution to disadvantaged families.

Mum Karen explained: "Elizabeth was getting quite depressed not seeing her friends. We sat down to talk about things and came up with the idea to help others who might be going through something similar.

"We spoke to the Community Hub in Hoole, who work with disadvantaged families, and started putting care packs together for them to distribute.

"They contain wellbeing journals and things to keep them occupied such as art supplies and sketch books, word searches, pens, writing books, bath bombs and face masks."

Elizabeth said: "I wanted to do something because I understand that people my age are going though similar circumstances and I want to give back to my community.

“After creating the packs and dropping off to the Community Hub, it made me feel proud but also gave me an understanding how important the Community Hub is.”

Wenda Smith, head of school at St Martin’s Academy which donated reading books, said: "We were delighted to help out. It is lovely to see one of our leavers leading the way and taking action to make a difference.

“This is something our curriculum focuses on, so a very big well done to Elizabeth from all of us at St Martin's.”

The Hoole primary school is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, and is one of eight schools run by North West Academies Trust (NWAT).