New mental health support service for people in Craven

This easy-to-use platform at www.qwell.io is for all adults over the age of 19. Anyone using the site can access free anonymous emotional and mental health support, in a safe and confidential space.

Commissioned by NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, in partnership with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Qwell service is provided by Kooth, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Online chat sessions are also available with experienced counsellors where people can drop in or alternatively, book a one-to-one session. The counselling sessions are available from 12-noon until 10pm on weekdays and from 6pm until 10pm on weekends, 365 days a year.

'Pandemic'

Sasha Bhat, head of mental wellbeing at NHS Bradford District and Craven CCG, said: “Providing easily accessible online support is a great way to help make sure adults can improve their mental health and wellbeing when they may be anxious about reaching out.  We need services such as Quell that are available when people need them the most and at a time that suits them.

“Last year we commissioned Kooth, an online service for children and young people. This has proved to be really beneficial by offering anonymous support as some find it hard to speak face to face. We wanted to replicate the service to deliver online therapies to adults across our district.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on people’s mental health so it is great to increase our offer of support to people living in the Bradford district and Craven and we are looking forward to working with Qwell over the next 12 months.”

Dr Lynne Green, chief clinical officer at Kooth added: “We want to ensure that accessing mental health support is as easy and convenient as possible. The online nature of Qwell means that more people are able to get advice in a way that is most suitable for them, at a time that is convenient for them. We hope that more adults will access help and support for their mental wellbeing through this new Qwell commission.”

Anyone experiencing issues with their emotional wellbeing, such as stress or anxiety, can use the new online resource by visiting www.qwell.io