A Haverhill school has underlined its commitment to prioritising mental health issues after earning a top award.

Samuel Ward Academy has been named a bronze-awarded Suffolk Young Carer School – and is now working towards a silver mark as part of the Young Carers in School national initiative.

Sam Ockleford, young carers lead at Samuel Ward, said she was delighted that the school’s work had been recognised.

She said: “Identifying and supporting young carers is vital to ensuring this vulnerable pupil group are able to attend, achieve and enjoy school in the same way as their peers.

“In collaboration with Suffolk Young Carers, we are improving the identification and support of young carers in schools across the country so they can get the help they need.

“Having the bronze award is a sign of our commitment and we are now working towards the silver award. We want any young carers within the school to know they are not alone.”

Young Carers in Schools is a nationwide initiative that equips schools to identify and support young carers and awards good practice.