ONLINE mental health support service continues for young people and children across East Berkshire.

The free 24/7 online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform, Kooth, has been recommissioned by NHS East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Slough Borough Council by the Young Health Champions – a young people’s led peer education programme and co-production network set up by NHS East Berkshire CCG.

READ MORE: Online info sessions about fostering in Slough announced

The confidential service provides a safe way for children and young people aged 11-19 or 11-25 for those with special educational needs and care leavers to access advice, support and counselling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Qualified counsellors can be available from 12pm to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends, every day of the year, even during this unprecedented time – with those wanting to speak able to drop in or book online.

Live topic-focused forums, discussion boards and its online magazine which includes tips for isolation, home study, self-care, relationships and more are all age appropriate, clinically approved, fully moderated and can all be accessed via a mobile, tablet or desktop.

READ MORE: Personal tragedy has not stopped brave Slough volunteer

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “At this time we all need to take extra care of our mental health.

“I’m extremely pleased that we have recommissioned the Kooth online counselling platform for our young people to have safe, free and easy access to support, information and counselling.”

To find out more visit kooth.com where young people can register and others can find out more about the service.