Kids Help Phone just released the Always There mobile app - a powerful tool for young people across Canada to more easily reach professional counsellors, access clinically-sound information and provide them with important features to support their social and emotional health.
The innovative mobile app was developed with the assistance of youth over the last year and with financial support from Bell Let's Talk, The Jack Project and other Kids Help Phone donors.
"It was important for us that the Always There app be developed in collaboration with youth," said Sharon Wood, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone. "Our clinical philosophy is to recognize kids' own strengths and input in finding solutions that are right for them. This app helps them connect with professional insights, but also helps them share some of their own answers and solutions with other kids. It sends a strong message that, no matter who or where you are, someone cares. You're never alone."
Passcode protected, the app encourages users to read up on emotional health and relationship topics, such as anxiety, depression, abuse in the family, and helping a friend. And it also offers direct links to direct phone or online links to Kids Help Phone professional counsellors.
The first phase of the Always There app includes English versions available for iOS, Android and Blackberry devices. A French version and additional features will come in phase two, expected in early 2013.
About Kids Help Phone
Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has been Canada's leading online and phone counselling service for youth. It's free, it's anonymous and confidential, and it's available any time of the day or night, 365 days a year in English and in French. Professional counsellors support the mental health and well-being of young people, ages five to 20, by providing one-on-one counselling, information and resources. As a community-based national charity, Kids Help Phone receives no core government funding and relies on community and corporate support to fund its essential and vital service.
To learn more about Kids Help Phone, please visit www.kidshelpphone.ca.
