Online Counselling Service Pilot

This specification represents the service requirements for citywide online counselling support as part of a mental health pathway for children and young people with a target age of 11-18 and for care leavers up to the age of 25. The service will provide a digital offer of information, advice, assessment and support into services for young people and parents including information on specific needs e.g. self-harm, autism, eating disorders and LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other sexualities).

It will be linked to the Council Early Help offer, mental health support in schools and Health and Social Care services, including specialist mental health support, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and Voluntary and Community Sector partners providing emotional wellbeing support for children and young people. The service will complement the face-to-face individual and group counselling offer integrated into the Youth Information Advice and Support Service, Door 43. Access to early intervention to support emotional wellbeing and mental health in children and young people improves self-efficacy, promotes recovery and helps prevent inappropriate referrals to specialist CAMHS.