A student volunteer working in mental health has been awarded for his efforts by the Prime Minister.

Sharmarke Dhaqane, a peer mentor from Hendon started volunteering at his own school aged 16 before going on to act as a mentor in neighbouring schools.

He is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

In July, the 18-year-old organised the first-ever student run mental health conference, uniting communities from across North London.

He launched the Barnet Young People Mental Health Charter, which he had negotiated with the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust.

Sharmarke, who studies History at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and continues to volunteer, was presented with his award at the Houses of Parliament.

Sharmarke said: “Ever since I started volunteering in my community, it became second nature to me.

“Helping others and seeing the results first hand is, I find, one of life's greatest treasures.

“I've had the pleasure of working with inspirational people and organisations and I feel truly honoured my work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

“I hope to carry on making a change in my community.”

PM Theresa May wrote a letter to Sarmarke calling his achievements “tremendous” and praising his work to organise the first Stamp Out Stigma mental health conference, calling it a “great achievement”.

Sharmarke is the 618th winner of the UK Point of Light award, based on the same programme in the USA, first established by President George H. W. Bush.