Kooth successfully retains children’s mental health service contract with key changes.

NHS Frimley has announced that Kooth has successfully retained its contract to provide digital mental health support to the children of East Berkshire. However, some key changes will take effect 1 November 2024.

The key changes include:

• New Age Criteria – Moving forward the service will focus on supporting young people aged 11-17 years.
• New Support Options – as well as the existing online support options of articles, discussion boards, and self-directed tools like journaling and goal setting, Kooth will now be able to offer single-session chats with a practitioner. These sessions must be booked and will focus on "here and now" difficulties that the young person is experiencing.

Referral and Sign-Up Process

Young people aged 11-17 years can be referred for support by a parent, carer, or professional (such as a GP or teacher) or sign up themselves with the support of a parent. Please note that the sign-up process requires some personal details to be provided, including first and last name, and a method of contact such as a phone number or email. Refer yourself or a child for Kooth services.

For existing clients of Kooth

If you currently have an account with Kooth this will close from 1 November 2024. If you wish to continue to use the services you will need to re-register through the new sign-up process (linked above), either through referring yourself with parental/carer support or by being referred by a parent, carer, or professional.

Any individuals aged 10 years or aged over 17 years will be signposted to other services who can help.

This includes NHS Talking Therapies Berkshire Healthcare - a friendly and approachable NHS service that treats common issues like depression, stress, anxiety or phobias in those aged 17 years and up.

Talking therapies can help you overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. You can self-refer to talking therapies through its website by completing an online form or you can call between 8am - 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am - 5pm on Fridays on 0300 365 2000.

For those aged 10 years the Frimley Healthier Together website offers advice for children, young people and their parents or carers.

For a full range of services in the area you can also visit the Berkshire Healthcare Children, Young People and Families Services website.

Furthermore, your child’s school nursing or mental health team will be able to provide support and signposting.   

If you are an existing client or refer to these services and these changes raise any questions, please contact your Kooth Engagement Lead Carly Seymour, cseymour@kooth.com