Teenage Helpline, which provides peer support to young people is relaunching as Youth4Youth.

The move has been taken to better reflect “young people’s preferred ways of communicating”.

It already offers support by putting young people in touch with peer mentors via email and this year will be launching a website chat function to connect young people.

“The change in name is focused on ensuring that the charity can expand its reach and support to the right people at the right time,” said Youth4Youth.

“Supporting young people on a range of issues including mental health, sexuality, bullying, online harm, education and family issues, Youth4Youth provides advice and support to young people as well as to parents, guardians and teachers.”

Its founder and chief executive Josh Towers added; “A key reason behind our brand name change is recognising how much therapeutic-support services have evolved since our inception.

“While 'helpline' felt right at the time, we no longer feel it is truly reflective of our approach to supporting young people today.”

He added: “Our new brand allows us to be friendly, comforting and welcoming, rather than clinical or corporate, and encourages day-to-day support and a conversational approach, long before the point of crisis.

“We want to make sure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support – through all the challenges, that as a young person, they may experience – especially for those that struggle to speak with adults or professionals.

“Now, our new name – and new brand, conveys that message perfectly.”

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