Free mental health support, without the wait.

Chat to a qualified practitioner, use tools that help you cope, and connect with people who get it. Confidential, no referral needed, and paid for by your local NHS or council.

Check if Qwell is free where you live

Choose your area from the list to get started. It takes a few seconds.

Choose your area
Practitioners available 12pm to 10pm
Providing NHS services BACP Accredited Service
  • Confidential
  • No referral or waiting list
  • Real people, not a chatbot

Getting started takes a few minutes

No GP appointment, no forms about your history, no assessment to pass.

  1. Check your area

    Qwell is funded by local NHS and council services, so it's free wherever they've chosen to offer it.

  2. Sign up with a username

    No need to give your real name. We ask a few optional questions so we can point you to the right support.

  3. Choose your support

    Chat to a practitioner today, book a session for later, or start with tools and the community.

Support that fits around your life

Use one, or all three. You decide how much you share.

Chat to a qualified practitioner

Text-based, one-to-one sessions with Qwell's qualified practitioners. Drop in when you need to, or book a time that suits you.

  • Talk things through and set goals together
  • Available in the afternoons and evenings, when other services are closed
  • Get pointed to other local services if you need more support
Practitioners
12pm to 10pm, every day
Tools and community
Open 24 hours, every day

A community that's safe to open up in

Read and share with other adults going through similar things. Every post is checked by our team before it goes live.

Tools to help you cope day to day

Journal, track how you're feeling over time, set small goals and try short exercises. See your progress in one place.

Why people choose Qwell

93%of users would recommend Qwell to a friend

Every conversation on Qwell is with a real, qualified practitioner. Qwell is part of Kooth Digital Health, which has provided online mental health support since 2001.

How we keep Qwell safe

  • Accredited by the BACP as a digital mental health and wellbeing service
  • Every community post is checked by our team before it goes live
  • You sign up with a username, so you don't need to share your real name

Is Qwell right for you?

The short version, before you sign up.

Qwell is

  • Free, early support for adults, whatever you're going through
  • Confidential, with no GP letter or referral needed
  • A way to get help today instead of joining a waiting list
  • Something you can use alongside your GP or NHS treatment

Qwell isn't

  • An emergency service. If you're in danger now, call 999 or see urgent help
  • Available everywhere yet. It depends on your local NHS or council, and age ranges vary by area
  • A replacement for medication or specialist care

Referring someone, or bringing Qwell to your area?

Qwell is commissioned by NHS integrated care boards, councils and police and crime commissioners across the UK. We give referrers everything they need to signpost with confidence.

Questions people ask

Is Qwell really free?

Yes. Your local NHS, council or police and crime commissioner pays for Qwell so residents can use it at no cost. There are no hidden charges.

What if Qwell isn't available where I live?

You can still get free support. You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, text SHOUT to 85258 any time, or use Hub of Hope to find services near you.

Is Qwell confidential?

Yes. You sign up with a username, so you don't need to share your real name. We'd only ever share information if we were seriously worried about your safety. Our privacy and safety page explains exactly when that applies.

Who will I be talking to?

Qwell's practitioners are trained and qualified to support your mental health and wellbeing. Every one is a real person, never a chatbot.

Who can use Qwell?

Adults living in an area where Qwell is funded. The age range depends on the area: in most places it's 18 and over. If you're under 18, our sister service Soluna by Kooth may be available to you.

Is Qwell part of the NHS?

Qwell is provided by Kooth Digital Health and commissioned by NHS organisations and other public bodies. We work alongside local NHS services rather than replacing them.

Can I use Qwell if I'm already seeing my GP or on a waiting list?

Yes. Many people use Qwell while they wait for other treatment, or to keep things on track afterwards.