JC reporter Jessica Elgot has been awarded the third Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists for an article on mental health issues in the strictly Orthodox community.

Candidates had to write an original article on a section of society which rarely makes the headlines.

The winning feature focused on isolation among the strictly Orthodox and how to promote mental well-being in the tight-knit community where failures are rarely voiced. It included an interview with José Martin, the head of Charedi mental health charity Talking Matters, and counselling staff at the charity. The article will
be published in the Independent newspaper.

The prize, which includes a cash bursary, is run by the Independent in memory of its former assistant editor Wyngate Harness, who died three years ago. Judges included Independent editor-in-chief Simon Kelner, journalist Sue Royal, who is Mr Harness's widow, Helen Boaden, the director of BBC News and journalists Martyn Palmer and Jason Burt.