The 2024 recipient of the Country Leadership Award for England is Kooth. 

Kooth is a groundbreaking digital platform that bridges the gap between technology and mental health support. This platform excels in accessibility and responsiveness, providing a lifeline to young people across diverse communities and ensuring they have access to vital mental health resources at their fingertips.

Kooth’s journey began with a commitment to equity and accessibility. By embedding their service into everyday life through seamless integration with devices used by students, they’ve been able to offer support directly to the audience that needs it most—ensuring that help is available to all, regardless of location. Their approach has been particularly transformative in rural areas, where access to traditional face-to-face services can be limited.

What sets this initiative apart is its ability to adapt and evolve. When faced with challenges, such as changes in digital communication platforms, Kooth pivoted swiftly, creating a new app that continues to progress. This proactive stance is evident in their engaging online content, from articles and podcasts to interactive tools addressing pressing issues like bullying and mental health.

Kooth’s impact is measurable and validated through robust data and positive feedback. The platform has become integral to mental health strategies across several regions, reaching thousands of young people and demonstrating clear improvements in engagement and satisfaction. Further, their support extends beyond the digital realm, with ongoing collaboration with schools, community groups, and health services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health.

Three standout qualities make Kooth deserving of recognition: its forward-thinking approach to digital mental health, its commitment to accountability and transparency, and its critical role in providing accessible support tailored to young people. This dedication has made a significant difference in the lives of many, particularly those who might otherwise struggle to find the help they need.

Congratulations Kooth!