Kooth has been commissioned by Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver free, confidential and personalised digital mental health support for 16-26-year-olds in the area.
The service will be available via www.kooth.com and accessible 24/7 with no waiting lists or thresholds to meet. Children will find a safe and welcoming environment where they can access non-judgemental professional help for any mental health concerns.
In commission was funded by the Scottish Government of Children and Young People Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports and Services Framework. The framework is part of Inverclyde’s commitment to support young people access mental health care when they need it.
Kooth.com is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – the only digital mental health provider to hold a UK-wide accreditation. It has also been designed to work alongside other services within the established mental health pathways.
It was selected by Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) for its out-of-hours provision and 365-days-a-year availability.
Users will have access to a fully safeguarded, pre-moderated community with a library of peer and professionally-created content.
In addition, a one-to-one text-based chat service provides access to experienced counsellors and wellbeing practitioners, 12 noon-10pm during the week, and 6pm-10pm at the weekend. Appointments for the text service can be booked in advance or accessed through a drop-in chat system.
Dr Lynne Green, chief clinical officer at Kooth, said: “It’s not always easy for young people to ask for the help they need when it comes to their mental health, but we believe those living in Inverclyde will reap the benefits from a clinically robust service, designed to provide them with access to timely and effective mental health care, based on their individual preferences and needs.
“Inverclyde has really raised the bar when it comes to supporting and empowering young people in its care with their mental health. What’s more, Kooth’s team of experienced practitioners and professional counsellors can provide support at a range of levels. No matter the issue or situation, both services are here to help.”
To ensure that any young person in Inverclyde can access the service when needed, Kooth will be working alongside Inverclyde Council, HSCP, GP surgeries, schools and community services to promote the service.
Kooth has made a number of partnerships aimed at widening access to mental health support – most recently teaming up with Help for Heroes.