Kooth

Hard to reach

These days, many local authorities and PCTs are trying to engage with population segments that do not usually access services or participate. Many of the people within these groups are the most vulnerable in society and have mental health problems.

There are many different types of hard-to-reach young people and it is a potentially stigmatising term. Often hard to reach populations are defined simply by demographic factors - for example, young people, rural people, people with disabilities, ethnic groups and so on.

However, it is important to acknowledge that 'attitudinal' aspects are also a factor. For example, some people are hard-to-reach because they think their council doesn't care about them, does not listen or is irrelevant to them. These factors can be even harder to overcome than demographic issues when trying to engage with hard-to-reach groups. Finally, there are cultural and structural factors (for example, bureaucracy) that mean certain groups can seem hard-to-reach.

Our experience with Kooth is that these factors can be mitigated when people in these groups are enthused to access advice and information and when the service is offered in a way that 'ticks their boxes'.

It's never been more important to reach these groups of people. One in ten of 5 to 15 year olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder. If untreated, mental health problems cause distress to children and young people themselves but also to their families and carers.

Mental health problems are linked to:

• failure in education
• family problems
• disability
• law breaking
• antisocial behaviour

Research shows that a child's emotional, social and psychological wellbeing influences their future health, education and social prospects. They're more likely at some point to:

• use drugs
• use alcohol
• not do so well at school
• be unemployed
• be involved in crime

It is well-recognised that psychological wellbeing in children and young people is important for their development. Mainstream services for supporting children and young people through difficult times may not always be the most appropriate or the easiest to access. There is increasing body of evidence of the effectiveness of online approaches to therapy. Some of that evidence is coming from our own work. Interventions via Kooth produce quantifiable improvements in children's and young people's resilience, promote mental health and effectively treat mental health problems and disorders.

If you'd like to find out more how Kooth could help you engage with the vulnerable and hard-to-reach young people in your area then feel free to call us now on 0845 330 7090 or contact us