A teenager was “honoured” to win a prestigious BAFTA award after designing a puzzle game aimed at helping people who live with anxiety and other mental health issues.

Emily Mitchell, from Watford, was presented with a Young Game Designers award at a ceremony held at BAFTA’s headquarters, in Piccadilly.

The 18-year-old’s game Fractured Minds is an immersive puzzle that is designed to give players a genuine insight into the experiences of those quietly living with mental illness.

This includes the feelings of isolation, of being trapped and of everyday situations being distorted beyond recognition.

Emily believes gaming is “a great way of communicating important messages in imaginative ways”.

She said: “Many young people suffer with mental health issues and feel isolated as a result. I wanted to create a game that would help young people experience what it is like to live with mental health issues or anxiety so that they can begin to empathise and support each other.

“It’s such an honour to have my game recognised by BAFTA and turned into prototype by professional developers. I love the creativity that games designing offers.

“Winning such a prestigious award has inspired me to carry on making games – it would be great to see more women entering this world as it’s such a fast growing and exciting field to be in.”

In a message of support to all the young finalists, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, who is also the president of BAFTA, said: “I am delighted to show my continued support for the BAFTA Young Game Designers initiative.

“I am always so impressed with the unique ideas and game-making skills displayed by our Young Game Designers. This year’s finalists prove there is a huge amount of talent within the UK and it is tremendously exciting to see young people so passionate about a craft that could help to launch their career in the British games industry.

“With a large number of entries coming through schools this year, it is encouraging to see teachers and educators regarding BAFTA’s initiative as a valuable means to equip their students with digital skills.”