Central and Northwest London NHS Trust has rolled out a new mental health app across its local boroughs to help support children and young people with their mental health, and ensure a single, consistent service offer.
Kooth is an app aimed at young people between 11 – 25 years and has a team of counsellors to help support those suffering from poor mental health. The app has been accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and has seen usage increase by 42% recently.
Previously, Kooth had services available in six boroughs in North West London but, as of June 1, all boroughs will be using the tool as a single consistent online platform. It uses an anonymous digital self-referral service and is being used with an aim to reduce referrals to Specialist Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health services. The app and its support is available 24/7 and has self-help resources on the platform to deal with a wide range of mental health issues.
Ross Graves, Executive Director of Partnerships and Commercial Development, Central and North West London NHSFT, said: “Kooth are a great partner who will make a difference, helping young people find the support they need more speedily. It’s also great to see all NHS organisations working together to provide a single service across the whole North West London.”
Dr Lynne Green, Chief Clinical Officer at Kooth PL, commented: “Digital mental health services such as Kooth offer young people quick and easy support for their emotional health without the usual waiting lists. This can reduce the need for specialist intervention services as the problem is treated when it first occurs, and prevents it from escalating further.
Kooth offers children and young people flexible, accessible support at a time and place most convenient to them. We look forward to supporting young people in North West London with their mental health and hope they benefit from the services that Kooth provides.”
Recently, the company has also partnered with NHS Kent and Medway CCG to roll out their service to 20 – 25-year-olds.
