An information evening about the Kooth mental health support service for children and young people will take place at St Margaret’s Hall in Ventnor on Wednesday, 21st January, from 5.15pm to 6pm.
The event is open to all and welcomes guardians, children and professionals who support young people.
Organisers will provide refreshments, and attendees can learn how the service works and who can use it.
What the event will cover
The session will explain how Kooth supports young people with their emotional wellbeing. It will outline how children and young people can access the service for free and anonymously.
The evening will also give adults the opportunity to ask questions about how Kooth fits alongside other forms of support.
What Kooth is
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online platform where young people can access mental health support whenever they need it.
The service operates in partnership with the NHS and is available to anyone aged between 10 and 25-years-old.
Users can access articles, mood tracking tools, journals and peer support at any time of day.
How support works
Kooth offers live chat and messaging support on weekdays from 12pm to 10pm and at weekends from 6pm to 10pm.
The platform provides a secure space designed to support emotional wellbeing.
Kooth holds accreditation from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and delivers NHS services.
Accessibility and reassurance
Young people can use Kooth on smartphones, tablets or other devices, making it accessible at home or while out.
The service allows users to seek help without needing face-to-face counselling, which some young people find easier as a first step.
Support comes from trained professionals rather than automated systems.
Advice for children and young people
The organisers at Ventnor Youth Group encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if they feel able, such as a parent, teacher or youth worker.
They also encourage young people to look out for their friends and to tell an adult if they feel concerned about someone.
For those who do not feel ready to talk to someone directly, Kooth offers an alternative route to support that remains confidential and anonymous.
Further information about the service is available via the Kooth website, and local updates appear via Ventnor Youth Group on Facebook.
