A BRAVE teen received a surprise message of kindness from a member of her favourite band after she spoke out about her mental health.

Mia Stevenson, 17, from Kilwinning, was sent a supportive video message from drummer Grant Hutchison of the Scottish band Frightened Rabbit.

The teen spoke openly to the Mental Health Foundation about her struggles with anxiety and depression - which was helped through talking with other fans of the band, on a Facebook group.

Mia was speaking about her experience as part of Mental Health Awareness week which took place between May 18 and 24, with this year’s theme of #kindnessmatters

She told the Herald: “I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and social anxiety when I was younger and I really struggled with it. I just didn’t think there was anyone like me out there.

“I joined this group on Facebook to do with my favourite band. I soon realised there were other people who were going through the same thing as me. I wasn’t alone.”

When Mia joined the Frightened Rabbit Facebook Group last year she received a warm response from members after bravely sharing her story.

And she was left shocked by the reaction, with thoughtful gifts and handmade items sent through the post from all over the world.

Mia said: “ It was amazing. It was such a small gesture but it was so uplifting and really helped me to feel that I would get through this.”

Popular indie band Frightened Rabbit were left devastated when songwriter and frontman Scott Hutchison – Grant’s brother –tragically took his own life in 2018.

Mia was amazed last week when Grant sent her a video message, and he praised her for helping to spread kindness.

Grant said: “I’d like to say well done to Mia for being so brave and coming forward and speaking about her mental health, and just encouraging others to be kind to each other and support one another.”

Now Mia and her mum Ann continue to spread kindness, sending well wishes to people around the world who were in a similar position.

Mia is also part of a mental health project Leonard Cheshire “Change Makers” where she is a reporter for the Glasgow area.