Buckinghamshire Council launches innovative digital mental health support tool for adults​

From this month, adults in Buckinghamshire will have round-the-clock, free access to mental health resources through a new online platform, Qwell. This new digital mental health support tool offers a safe and anonymous space for individuals to seek help and support.

Available at https://explore.qwell.io/bucks/ Qwell provides a safe, anonymous space for adults aged 18+ to:

• Access a library of articles, podcasts, and videos

• Use tools like an online journal and goal tracker

• Join a moderated peer support forum to share experiences and ask questions

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Isobel Darby said: “With Qwell, Buckinghamshire Council aims to bridge the gap in improving mental health, ensuring that every adult, regardless of their background or circumstances, can find the information they need. This initiative is a significant step towards fostering a healthier, resilient community and reducing health inequalities. This strengthens our work to promote good mental health and ensure mental health support is accessible to all.”

Qwell’s chief clinical officer, Dr Lynne Green, added: “We recognise that it can be hard to reach out for mental health support; stigma is still a huge issue for many communities. We hope Qwell will make a difference; Qwell offers a confidential, welcoming space for Buckinghamshire adults to find community and build resilience.”

The new service is part of Buckinghamshire Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing inequalities in accessing mental health support and will include specific content for those who are more vulnerable to experiencing poor mental health and are less likely to seek help from traditional services such as men, people of Black or Pakistani ethnicity and LGBTQIA+ residents.

Qwell are working closely with local groups to capture real voices and stories about how mental health issues may be impacting the county, creating additional supportive content, including:

• A podcast with Q:Alliance, exploring the importance of representation and connecting with others in the LGBTQ+ community.

• An article with Aylesbury Football Club’s pan-disability football team highlighting the mental health benefits of inclusive sports, with input from volunteers and parents.

• An interview with Chesham Mosque’s secretary, discussing the role of faith and community in fostering wellness.

• A conversation with a Buckinghamshire parent, reflecting on raising a mixed heritage child in the county.