A new online service has been launched to support children and young people in Hull and North Lincolnshire.
The tool is available for people aged between 11 and 25 to provide free, anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing service.
Using Kooth, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, people can receive one-on-one online sessions with qualified counsellors, receive and provide peer-to-peer support through moderated online forums, and read and contribute articles.
Users can also keep an online journal and track wellbeing using a goal tracker. The platform is now used by over 1,500 children each day.
Michele Moran, Chair of the Humber, Coast and Vale Mental Health Partnership Board, said “This early intervention and prevention service allows children and young people struggling with their mental health to receive prompt help and support when they need it.”
“At a time of heightened stress and anxiety due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, it’s really important that we take steps to manage our mental health and emotional wellbeing, and also look out for others. We encourage parents, carers and teachers to promote Kooth to the children and young people in their lives and support them to access this safe online service.”
Dr Amy Oehring, NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group’s GP Lead for Children, said “The launch of Kooth in these areas is welcome news as it will provide timely help and support to those children and young people who need it; and will hopefully reduce some of the anxiety they might feel when attending face-to-face appointments, while helping them to build their mental resilience and self-confidence too.
Dr Lynne Green, XenZone, the developers, Chief Clinical Officer, said “We urge the young people of Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire to make the most out of Kooth. The articles and forums are a great way for young people to take a preventative approach to their wellbeing and learn from others who may be in similar positions, while our trained counsellors are there for them when they need it.”
The service has been commissioned for use in Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire by the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership.
