An app has been launched to help give support and advice to young people with emotional issues following a successful pilot.
The app, Caremonkey, was devised by five young people who were being supported by the Cornerhouse project and was originally launched during the HeadStart Hull pilot during 2014-2016.
The app is a safe hub for young people to get advice and support on issues impacting on their emotional health such as bullying, abuse, self-harm, anxiety or depression.
The pilot was a such a success it resulted in HeadStart Hull receiving another five years funding to roll out the model across the city. Working with Cornerhouse and Hull creative consultancy YesYesBD, the Caremonkey app has been revamped and relaunched.
Caremonkey gives young people, who are in vulnerable situations, the ability to report an incident to authorities such as CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre) and Childline. The app also has a built in feature that allows for the app to be hidden and disguised on the young persons phone, to support those in particularly sensitive situations.
Councillor Phil Webster, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for safeguarding children, said: This is such an important app that can give young people the vital help at their fingertips, particularly if they are in a situation where they are unable to talk to someone about their problems.”
HeadStart Hull programme manager Gail Teasdale said: The HeadStart Hull programme aims to enable young people to have positive mental health, thrive in their communities and be able to bounce back from lifes challenges.”
Tish Lamb, Cornerhouse CEO, added: We are extremely delighted to relaunch the Caremonkey app. A group of young women developed the app as part of the Lifestyle project as they saw a gap that lacked quick and easy accessible information and support around issues that affect young peoples emotional health. We are very proud to have been involved in supporting these young women to bring their idea into fruition.
The free to use app can be accessed at caremonkeys.co.uk.
www.caremonkeys.co.uk
