AN interactive double decker bus aimed at raising awareness of mental health in children made a visit to Holy Cross School to teach pupils that it is “OK to talk”.

This was the idea of the Philippi Trust based on Park Road, which offers counselling to people in the community and further field.

The charity has a special service called Philippi Kids aimed at helping young people.

Staff attended the school to thank them for raising funds.

The trust, which often sends representatives into schools, plans to take play therapy to pupils via the bus.

They also aim to raise money for a “fleet” of mini busses and are looking for donations.

Justin Wales, from the Philippi Trust, said: “We are gaining a lot of interest from schools and further dates are being booked for the awareness days.

“We still need more help so that we can get a one to one, play therapy mini bus to take therapy to the schools as well as the awareness bus.

“We operate on a donation basis and ask if anyone can contribute towards Philippi Kids, they can join the friends if Philippi kids scheme for £2 a month.

“If you are a corporate sponsor or community funder or even have a spare bus or mini bus to donate all is much appreciated so we can address mental health in our children.

“We currently go into 22 schools in the borough to help pupils and it would be beneficial to take a safe place with us that they know they can feel comfortable in to talk.

“We would like to thank Holy Cross Primary School for their support.”

n Contact 01744 679001 or visit philippitrust.com/children-family-therapy/

They attended Holy Cross Primary on February 23.