AN online support group has been set up for young people with low self-esteem in the hope that it will boost their confidence and enable them to make new friends.

Impact Youth Group is a secret Facebook group monitored by DBS checked adults who encourage friendly chat between young people who struggle to make new friends.

The group is invite only and was launched with the help of Tree Tops Occupational Therapy, based in Newton Aycliffe.

Dawn O’Hanlon, a business administrator at Treetops, said: “We know a lot of people who have no self esteem or confidence, some are shy and some don’t have any friends.

“We knew of support groups for older people but nothing for young adults and thought this would be a safe environment for them to chat and make new friends.”

The group aims to share information and experiences and also offers support.

Group meetings also take place to encourage members to meet and develop social skills through interaction with one another.

Mrs O’Hanlon added: “The first social meeting we have planned is rock climbing, we are hoping to meet regularly to give members the chance to get to know one another and give them skills they can use in everyday life.

“For someone who is quite anxious it can be difficult to meet new people and the online group is a way to break the ice.”

For more information or to join the group email impactyouthgroup18@gmail.com