Stirling Council launches online mental health support for young people

Stirling Council has launched a new 24-hour-a-day online mental health support service for young people.

Togetherall is a free peer-to-peer online support network where people aged 16-26 can get help on a range of mental health topics, such as anxiety, sleep and depression.

The service is already in use in a number of other council areas in Scotland.

It was launched in South Ayrshire in January and in Perth and Kinross, Angus and Dundee in February.

Although funded by the council, the service is separate from the council and completely anonymous, with users encouraged to pick a username that doesn’t identify them.

Anyone aged 16-26 in the Stirling Council area can sign up for the service by going to the sign up area of the Togetherall site and entering their postcode.

Bryony Monaghan, interim head of education at Stirling Council, said: “Togetherall is something young people can use at any time of the day or night.

“It’s a safe and anonymous online space you can go to if you’re feeling down, struggling to cope or just want to talk to people who understand what you’re going through.

“The peer to peer support network provides support when you need it and professionals are available if required.

“You can join a supportive online community, take part in a range of courses, self-assessments and access self-help materials.”

Henry Jones, chief executive of Togetherall, added: “I’m delighted to announce that Togetherall is now working with a third of Scottish councils to increase access for young people aged 16+ to our safe online service.

“From today, we welcome Stirling Council to our community, providing free access to all 16-26 year-olds.

“We are here to support you anytime, anywhere.”