A new online counselling and emotional wellbeing for young people living in west Wales has been launched by Hywel Dda Health Board.

The six month pilot is being run by Kooth, an award winning online counselling service.

Following an appropriate referral, young people aged between 11 and 18 years old will now be able to access online counselling through their mobile device at a convenient time. Kooth provides a blended approach of online counselling, support, and advice to young people, which is free, safe and anonymous by friendly counsellors.

Experienced counsellors will be available for virtual drop-in or bookable chat sessions from 12 noon until 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm until 10pm on weekends. Leaflets are available in English and Welsh and the service is currently recruiting Welsh speaking counsellors.

Young people who use the service will be able to seek support on any topic they wish, from coping with exam stress, seeking help for eating issues, dealing with suicidal thoughts or handling sexual abuse. There are no thresholds or barriers for young people receiving help from Kooth.

Llanelli’s Member of the Senedd Lee Waters said: “Young people have had it really hard through this pandemic, so I’m glad a digital service will now be there for them while we’re being asked to stay at home.”

“It’s easy to login to, with no waiting lists, and is free from the stigma that sometimes puts people off getting the support they need.”