To raise awareness and support for World Mental Health Day, Liverpool FA is delighted to partner with Kooth, providing 11–18-year-olds in our community with a confidential mental health and emotional wellbeing platform.

Mental Health and Wellbeing is an important and focused part of the work we do at Liverpool FA, and we are delighted to be able to partner with Kooth.com, to provide an anonymous, supportive and fast access system to 11-18 year old players, coaches and supporters across the football community. 

Within a few clicks of a button, they’ll be able to:

• Receive expert advice via a support library of tools for boosting mental wellbeing and coping with challenges.
• Talk to the Kooth community and connect with others who may feel the same way they do.
• Use self-help tools to continue the practise of mental fitness.
• Contact Kooth practitioners, who are there to give advice and talk young people through anything they are experiencing. (One-to-one text based chat sessions are available from midday to 10pm on weekdays and from 6pm to 10pm on the weekend).

There are no waiting lists or thresholds to meet, and a referral from a medical professional is not required to access Kooth. Once a young person is registered, the service is instantly available through any internet-connected device such as a smartphone, tablet or computer.

kooth.com

Adam Greaves-Smith, Business Manager for Liverpool FA, said: “Mental Health and Wellbeing is paramount to the association, and we are constantly looking at new and improved ways to give support to all age groups across our platforms. 

"Alongside our Wellbeing Committee, we are in the process of strengthening our board of directors by recruiting an Independent Non-Executive to lead on Health & Wellbeing – Kooth is a welcomed addition; giving confidential, easy and direct support to any 11-18 year old whom may benefit from it. As well as giving club Welfare teams a beneficial option for signposting, giving the community fast access to a safe space, where their mental health is of the utmost importance is key.”

Holly Jackson, Engagement Lead for Kooth, added: "I am delighted to be launching Kooth within the Liverpool Football Association. The physical and mental wellbeing of young people who play grassroots football in the North West is of the utmost importance and it’s exciting to begin this partnership. I look forward to working alongside Liverpool FA and furthering the conversation of mental strength for young people within sport."

Ongoing development of the partnership with Kooth will see further tools for Welfare Officers, access to seminars and further support opportunities to provide a supportive space FOR ALL. 

Kooth is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is the UK’s leading digital mental health platform.