CHILDREN and young people living in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to use a free online mental health and emotional wellbeing service that has been set up to mark Mental Health Awareness week.

People aged between 11 and 25 in North Yorkshire can register to use Kooth - a free, anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing service which can be accessed using a computer, smartphone or tablet device.

The device, which was released to the public on Monday marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week - which the Tees Esk and Wear Valley Foundation Trust says is pertinent due to the effect the lockdown measures can have on people’s mental health.

Individuals can access Kooth, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, to receive one-on-one online sessions with qualified counsellors, receive and provide peer-to-peer support through moderated online forums, and read and contribute articles.

Kooth can also be used to keep an online journal and track your wellbeing via an interactive goal tracker. There are no waiting lists or thresholds for use, so people can use the service as soon as they register.

Dr Lynne Green, XenZone’s Chief Clinical Officer, said: “We urge the young people of North Yorkshire to make the most out of Kooth. The articles and forums are a great way for young people to take a preventative approach to their wellbeing and learn from others who may be in similar positions, while our trained counsellors are there for them when they need it.”

Melanie Bradbury, Strategic Lead – Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Commissioning at Hull Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I want to take the opportunity during Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage all children and young people in North Yorkshire areas to access the range of services available to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing should they need help. This is especially important during the ongoing coronavirus situation, which we know can be a cause of heightened stress and anxiety for many people.

“To complement the historic services we have made available, young people can access Kooth which is a fantastic early intervention and prevention service which allows people aged between 11 and 25 who are struggling with their mental health to receive prompt help and support when they need it, so it’s great that this online service is available.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Sport has teamed up with North Yorkshire County Council to distribute 750 packs to key groups of people during the coronavirus outbreak; older adults, families and young people.

The packs contain practical examples of ways to stay active at home and tailored exercises, along with items to help people take part in physical activity and to maintain positive mental health.