'Obro Feel': Catalonia's WhatsApp chat for teenagers seeking emotional support

'Obro Feel' is the new WhatsApp chat tool for those teenagers and youngsters seeking emotional support across Catalonia. The new system, set in place by the Catalan Social Rights ministry is addressed to those aged between 14 and 29. 

The system is active all day, so those seeking emotional support can get in touch whenever they prefer to express their needs or doubts and ask for help. 

On the other side of the 'line' there is a group of volunteers from the Ajuda i Esperança foundation (help and hope, in Catalan), who will accompany them, give them support, and offer them personalized recommendations. 

This is still a pilot scheme to know if people would benefit from it and how. 

Among the tasks, experts will try to quickly detect mental health problems, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or even eating disorders. The goal is to reach potential social media users using an algorithm that will be advertised based on Instagram profiles. 

"We want people to be aware that there are several options at their disposal and that we are taking the lead. The system goes and finds them," Rut Ribas, Youth general director, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN). 

The idea is to be able to offer help when those who seek emotional support actually need it, on the spot and only with "one click." 

The phone number to get in touch is +34 680 354 155, or using this link. 

Experts will offer personalized support and will advise some treatment if needed. It is a way of "raising the hand" to ask for help, and the "close link that volunteers and patients create opens the door to accept any recommendation in their hometown or neighborhood," Ribas added. 

However, if volunteers believe there is a need for immediate action of the health emergency services, they will get in touch with the team.