Children and young people from across Trafford can now access free online counselling and emotional support throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental health support service Kooth, is providing help and advice to young people who may be struggling to cope during this stressful period.
Anyone aged between 11 and 18 can access a number of resources including support from a qualified counsellor.
In addition, the service is also providing self-help information, access to chat forums with other young people – and scheduled and drop-in counselling sessions.
Cllr Catherine Hynes, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Social Care, said:
The coronavirus pandemic is a human tragedy that will alter the lives of everyone – so it is absolutely normal to feel fearful and anxious at this difficult time.
I would urge anyone who is struggling to cope, or is feeling stressed, or low to reach out for help.
You can talk anonymously and safely to trained professionals or take part in group or one-to-one therapy with a counsellor.
The online support platform is also available to young people across Greater Manchester – and forms part of an online digital expansion programme.
Warren Heppolette, from Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
The outbreak of the disease has brought rapid change for everyone.
This situation is a stressful and anxious time for many.
In particular, for children and young people as social distancing measures are making it harder for them to reach out to friends and to open up to close family members.
However, the team at Kooth offer a wealth of information and resources and, most importantly, a way to share fears and anxieties with peers as well as providing access to counselling if needed – all without leaving the house.”
For more information: https://hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/kooth/ or www.kooth.com.
Posted on Thursday 16th April 2020