Kooth is the latest platform to offer online mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young adults in Stirling.
Free, safe and confidential, Kooth provides a professional and non-judgemental service for those aged 10-18.
People can access the service anonymously by signing onto Kooth.com. Once registered, they can log on via any internet-connected device, such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Kooth will complement the Council’s other provisions in this area, including the 24/7 free mental health support service, Togetherall (16-26 year olds) and the school counselling service.
Stressful and anxious time
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “Waiting for exam results can be a stressful and anxious time for young people so it’s important to show them where they can go for mental health support.
“I’m delighted Kooth is available for our pupils as Results Day draws closer and ahead of the new school year which can also be a worrying time for some.
“Kooth’s addition to our digital range of youth mental health services means it has never been easier to access this specialist support outside school hours 365 days a year.
“The hope is that with services like Kooth we can spread a net of support broad enough to cover some of the gaps created by the growing demand for clinical mental health services. It’s important we talk to our young people, and offer them the safe space to talk to others. Services like Kooth can provide that security.”
Kooth is a well-established, award winning digital mental health service and holds a UK accreditation from The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Safe, accessible and confidential
Dr Lynne Green, Chief Clinical Officer at Kooth explained: “It’s not always easy for children and young adults to reach out and ask for help with mental health concerns, which is why providing a choice in how they access mental health and wellbeing support, as well as the types of services available to them is essential.
“This is where digital help such as Kooth.com can prove effective - by providing a blend of professional counselling, community and self-help options.
“Not only are these services safe, accessible and confidential, but they help to reduce the stigma that’s often associated with mental health, and are available in a digital format, which is something children and young people feel comfortable with.
“This makes sure that those seeking support find a service that resonates with them, is on their own terms, and is available when they need it. No matter the issue or situation, Kooth.com is here to help.”
Kooth
Kooth.com provides unique out of office hours’ provision and is open 7 days per week, 365 days a year, with live (drop-in) text-based one-to-one counselling sessions with fully-trained and qualified practitioners available from noon until 10pm weekdays and from 6pm until 10pm on Saturday and Sundays. Appointments can also be booked in advance.
Kooth are holding a free webinar on Monday 8 August from 7.30pm to 8.30pm for parents and carers to help them learn and explore ways to help their child on results day. To sign-up, head here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/391090571427Togetherall
Togetherall is a free peer-to-peer online support network that operates 24/7 and where people aged 16-26 can access help on a range of mental health topics, such as anxiety, sleep and depression. Signing up is easy, with a Stirling postcode all that’s needed to guarantee free access
School Counsellors
Stirling Council’s school counselling service provides therapeutic support to 10 to 18-year-olds who attend its schools. This support complements the approaches already available in schools to help children and young people with their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
Counsellors offer pupils who are experiencing emotional distress an opportunity to explore and understand their difficulties. More info here.
Additional support
There is a range of other supports in place to support the mental health and wellbeing of Stirling’s young people. This includes mental health and wellbeing youth development workers and mentoring. Any young person or parent/carer can reach out to their school to discuss what support might be best for them.
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