Online Mental Health Help for Manchester's Young

Online mental health and well-being service to support young people in Manchester during the pandemic.

13:12 16 October 2020

Kooth, an online mental health and well-being service, will be made available to young people in Manchester. Commissioned by The Prince's Trust, the scheme will provide online counselling to people aged 11 and 25 anonymously. 

 

Kooth is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Its service allows children and young people to provide support to each other through its moderated online discussion boards. It is staffed by qualified counsellors who offer counselling services through chat-based messaging or one-on-one online chat sessions. The support is available to people with existing mental health issues and anyone struggling due to self-isolation restrictions and social distancing protocols. 

 

Medical Executive Lead for Mental Health, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, Dr Sandeep Ranote, said: “We have all been living through a very challenging time and coronavirus has undoubtedly effected all of our stress and anxiety levels to some degree.

 

"However, the worries and pressures created by the virus have been especially challenging for children and young people. Kooth helps them to look after their mental health and provides a safe space to get support and advice from their peers.

 

"While the online service existed before April, it was expanded during the pandemic. It is welcome news that with the involvement of The Prince’s Trust it will be used by even more young people.

 

“All our digital support is free to use, though we know barriers exist for those who don’t have access to technology. We’re continuing to work with our partners across the city-region to make sure all children and young people can access good mental health support regardless of their background.”