Children and young people in Newcastle and Gateshead can now get help from mental health counsellors using a free online service supported by the NHS.
Kooth.com is an award-winning online counselling and support service which is now available to all young people in Newcastle and Gateshead aged 11-18, and to young people in Looked After Care until they are 25 years old.
Professional counsellors are available at kooth.com from noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6 – 10pm at weekends. It’s completely confidential, and can help with things like low mood and anxiety, relationships, bullying, eating disorders and self-harm, as well as general health concerns.
Young people can chat with a friendly counsellor, get support through online forums or use an instant messaging service with a Kooth worker. There’s also the chance to play games, read or write for an online magazine or use a range of self-help tools.
The service works closely with the other mental health services in the area, including face-to-face counselling services.