Kooth Student for Higher Education

Kooth Student is designed to meet the Thrive Framework for System Change (Wolpert et al 2019). Our platform is unique in that it works with young people who may need advice and signposting, help, more ongoing help or immediate risk support. For older adults we work alongside the IAPT model and other traditional NHS services. Our clinical model is NICE informed and we have ongoing pathways mapped across the UK.

Our platform has been designed specifically for students. We know how they want to access services, what they want to know and how they want to engage. We are focussed on ensuring all aspects of the platform meet the Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA. Our site is available from anywhere in the world - so suitable for overseas and placement students and usable outside of term time.

Kooth Student is an anonymous site which helps students to feel safe and confident in exploring their concerns and seeking professional support. It is an online application removing the need for Apple/Android accounts, data requirements and the stigma of mental health apps on your devices.

Our live counselling functionality allows students to receive professional support through either booked or drop in sessions as and when a session is required. Our qualified practitioners are real people, not bots, with significant experience in working with children and young people. Importantly available outside of wellbeing centre hours.

Our suite of applications allows students to choose how they want to access help: Magazines, Forums, Activity Centres, Messaging and Live Counselling. Each component can be accessed as a stand alone or as part of a wider care package.

Access to Kooth Student is immediate. There is no need for a referral, no waiting lists and the service is available 24/7. We work closely with pastoral and academic functions across the university to educate them on mental health and promote Kooth Student.

Managing risk is what we do. We have a robust risk profiling system across all parts of the platform that allows us to prioritise and to reach out. Safeguarding encompasses all we do at every level of care. We know when to signpost and refer on and how to psychologically hold people and keep them safe during crisis.

On every part of our platform we ask for feedback on functionality and measure outcomes. 94% of our students would recommend Kooth Student to a friend.