Mentally ill children and young people are set to use handheld computers as part of their treatment because local NHS services have been awarded an £84,000 share of a £2million government fund backing the scheme.

It’s hoped the young patients will use tablet computers during their therapy sessions to access their personal information and track their progress.

The East London NHS Foundation Trust, which covers Newham and Tower Hamlets, is one of 10 health trusts in London to receive funding for the project.

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb, who announced the funding allocation on March 15, said acting early to tackle mental illness can “prevent a lifetime of suffering”.

He added: “Children and young people have told us how much it helps them to see how their treatment is going and these new devices do just that.”