Harriet Alsop-Bingham, a member of Carmarthenshire Youth Council, has been awarded the Child of Courage award

Harriet Alsop-Bingham, from Garnant, suffered cruelty by a group of bullies from the age of 11, who tortured her to the point that she felt completely worthless and started to self-harm.

Since confiding in a youth worker and receiving the help and support she so desperately needed, the 16-year-old has fought to get her life back on track.

Now she has found the courage to share her story with others to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to encourage anyone suffering as she did to seek help.

Harriet, who is a member of Carmarthenshire Youth Council, was recognised for her achievements through winning the Child of Courage award a ceremony last month.

On accepting the award, she said: ""I am absolutely delighted and so, so grateful to have been nominated for the Child of Courage award and I'm over the moon that I have won.

“I hope that by winning the award it will raise awareness of how mental health issues can affect young people’s lives and that more support is needed. We need to get the message out there that 'It's a bad day not a bad life."

The teenager has now been congratulated by leading councillors and officers of Carmarthenshire County Council.

Harriet was invited to County Hall by Chair Cllr Irfon Jones to honour her award. Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole, executive board member for youth services Cllr Glynog Davies and Director of Education and Children’s Services Gareth Morgans were in attendance.

Cllr Dole said: “Harriet is truly a Child of Courage and deserves this honour. She has not only fought to overcome her personal difficulties, but she has also spoken out publicly to try to help others.

“Thanks must also go to our youth services who helped her get the support she needed.

“Harriet has come through unimaginable pain and distress to become the wonderful, brave young woman she is today.

“She deserves this recognition which is testament to her strength of character and courage.”