Designed to ensure that young people have easy access to helpful support as early as possible and to prevent emotional and mental health issues from escalating, PeerChat provides pre-booked 45 minute sessions with trained Supporters who listen without judgement, help young people explore what’s on their mind, and support them to consider next steps.
By booking a slot with PeerChat, young people can talk about anything affecting their wellbeing, including stress and anxiety, loneliness, relationships, identity, or pressures around university, work and life.
The launch of PeerChat comes at a time when young people are feeling more isolated and disconnected and waiting lists for traditional mental health treatment are more than 18 months long. Through feedback and the questions submitted to our website chatbot, we’ve seen a clear desire from young people for holistic, conversational support and opportunities to share advice.
PeerChat has been developed to meet this gap, offering them a confidential, one-to-one space where each individual is met on their terms and providing support before issues escalate. Ongoing feedback will continue to shape the service as it grows, ensuring it reflects how people want to seek support and the kind of conversations they find helpful.
Delivered by trained peers, PeerChat provides a safe, inclusive space where young people feel heard and understood. All PeerChat Supporters are fully trained and supported by the MHI clinical team
