Online mental health support tool for young people piloted in Jersey

The service offers free counselling and resources to those who need it. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Young people in Jersey will now be able to access free mental health support online.

The online tool, called Kooth, will allow islanders aged between 13 and 25 to access resources without the need for a referral, as well as book sessions with professional counsellors.

The system is already accessible in the UK and Isle of Man and will be piloted in Jersey over the next 14 months.

It comes following a reduction of face-to-face support services in mental health as a result of the pandemic.

The service includes online self-help materials, online journals and goal trackers and moderated forums where young people can discuss the difficulties they are facing.

Young people who are studying off-island will also be able to access the resources, which are available online at www.kooth.com - selecting 'Jersey Kooth' while signing up.