Instant Messaging FAQs
It’s completely normal to have questions before using our With Youth instant messaging service. Our FAQs explain how the service works, who you’ll be talking with and what you can expect when you get in touch. We hope they help you feel comfortable and ready to start a conversation.
We will ask for a name at the start of the chat, but you can choose whether you provide us with your name or use a nickname instead.
If you would rather not have to retell your story please use the same nickname each time you reach out to us.
No, you’ll always chat with a real, trained member of the With Youth team.
We’re here to listen, support you, and help you explore what might make things easier. No bots, no AI, just real people.
You can delete your With Youth chat history.
If you don’t want the next person using your device to be able to see a chat that you have had with With Youth then follow these 3 steps:
- Click the ‘X’ to leave the chat.
- Visit a different website (e.g. www.google.co.uk).
- Click on ‘Internet History’ & select “Clear History”.
The next time you want to chat with With Youth you will need to submit your details again.
With Youth will only break confidentiality if we believe that you or another young person are in immediate danger or are at risk of immediate harm. We will always be honest with you and we will try and work with you to find the best way to keep you and other young people safe. We will never hide what we are doing from you.
If you are not at risk of harm but would like us to tell someone you trust something, we can explore this with you too.
At With Youth we very rarely break confidentiality.
- We ask for a name to help us see when and how many times you have used the service and to plan future delivery. Remember if you would prefer to remain anonymous, that’s okay. Just give a first name, initials or a nickname.
- Your age helps us to find out which age groups are using the service so that we can understand how we can best reach and support all different age groups.
- Gender identity is important to us and helps us to make sure that With Youth is reaching and supporting everyone in a way that works for them.
- Ethnicity is important to us and helps us to make sure that With Youth is reaching and supporting everyone in a way that works for them.
- Your postcode helps us to see which areas of Hertfordshire are using the service so that we can promote the work that we do in the areas that are missing out. If you prefer to remain anonymous it’s okay to just give us the first 3 digits of your postcode.
There is no right or wrong amount of time for a chat to last. An average chat lasts around 30-45 minutes. Some chats only last a few minutes but others can last longer. The most important thing is that we have enough time to support you in the way that feels right for you.
There are no limits to the number of times that you can use With Youth’s instant messaging/helpline service. You can use it as often as you need in order to receive the support you need and to talk about what is important to you.
Our practitioners work at different times on different shifts so it is unlikely that you will always speak to the same person. All of our practitioners work in the same way, so no matter who you talk with, you will always receive the same type of support.
At With Youth you can talk about anything that is important to you. We will always listen and we will never judge. We aim to support you in the way that feels right for you in that moment.
We are not a crisis support service and if you feel that your life or somebody else’s life is in immediate danger we recommend that you dial 999 and speak to the emergency services. Samaritans can be called on 116 123 or Papyrus Hopeline UK on 0800 068 4141 (9am-10pm weekdays & 2pm-10pm weekends & Bank Holidays).
Yes. Even if you are receiving support from another service or professional, you can still access our instant messaging and/or helpline service.