An online service has been launched to offer early mental health support to adults.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s digital tool, Qwell, is available to residents to access free help 24 hours a day.
The authority said the platform does not require a referral and there are no waiting lists. People connect with professionals via drop-in and pre-booked sessions, talk to others with similar experiences and can access resources.
The council’s director of health Katrina Stephens said the platform would help people access support early.
She said: “The availability of access to trusted practitioners and evidence-based resources will help our residents seek help early, reduce the risk of crises, and build resilience across our communities.”
The Liberal Democrat-led council said a similar platform for under-18s, called Kooth, had been operating since 2023.
Councillor Patricia Bell, who is responsible for public health, said the 24/7 tool helped remove barriers to accessing help.
“Qwell gives our residents something truly vital – support wherever they are and at whatever time of the day it is needed.”
People can find out more and sign up directly via the Qwell and Kooth platforms.
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