A new digital mental health and wellbeing service has been launched and is available for young people in South Lanarkshire.
South Lanarkshire Council has commissioned Kooth to provide the service for all ten to 18-year-olds, and those aged up to 26 who are care experienced.
The Kooth website is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week all year round, and there are no waiting lists or thresholds to meet to qualify for support.
Kooth was selected by South Lanarkshire Council following a Community Mental Health consultation undertaken by Eilidh Corral, senior educational psychologist, involving more than 3000 young people.
Young people provided views about what additional mental health and wellbeing supports would be helpful. They also expressed they wanted non-stigmatising online support that was easily accessible and anonymous.
Kooth provides this through offering a welcoming space for children and young adults in South Lanarkshire to receive non-judgemental professional mental health and emotional wellbeing support.
The service will work alongside existing supports and services within South Lanarkshire and will help ensure that children and young adults have easy access to support if they need it.
Chair of the council’s education resources committee, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people is a council priority. Now more than ever we recognise the importance of listening to the views of young people when planning services.
“Partnering with Kooth will provide further mental health and wellbeing services to our children and young people in the format they want.
“Being safe, easily accessible and confidential is important as it helps to reduce the stigma that’s often associated with mental health.
“Kooth users can choose from a blend of integrated options. This allows young people flexibility to seek mental health and wellbeing supports on their own terms.
“We look forward to seeing the impact Kooth will have on children and young adults in South Lanarkshire.”
Dr Lynne Green, chief clinical officer at Kooth, said: “There’s no ‘one-size fits all’ approach to mental health care, especially when you are supporting a child or young adult.
"It’s not always easy for them to reach out and ask for the help they need. This is where an anonymous digital service such as Kooth can help – offering children and young adults a platform where they can seek support on their own terms, and in a way they feel comfortable with.
“By ensuring every child and young adult aged 10 to 18, and those up to 26 who are care experienced, now have access to 24/7 support, South Lanarkshire Council has really raised the bar when it comes to their mental health support and services. No matter the issue or situation, Kooth.com is here to help.”
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