25 things about TeenHelp

[TeenHelp]

25 Things about TeenHelp
By Sue (Silvan) and Hollie (Everglow.)

Twenty-five years ago, a website called TeenHelp was founded. Since then, the site has become an increasingly popular space for teens from many different countries to come for support, advice, friendship and community. Over the years, TeenHelp has evolved and adapted, but continues to be a safe and inclusive space for anyone who needs it.

To celebrate an amazing milestone, here are 25 interesting facts about the site today.

1. TeenHelp has more than 97,000 members.
2. In total, there are over 1 million posts on the TeenHelp forums.
3. TeenHelp features loads of content, including informative articles, graphics, newsletters and more. All of the content has been created by members of TeenHelp like you.
4. We have a few different chatroom servers (including a vibrant Discord channel) where you can talk to other members, get support and advice, and see lots of uplifting pictures when you’re having a bad day. There is even an ‘events’ channel, where you can join in with fun activities like movie nights and chat while you watch.
5. TeenHelp has a mobile app called Tapatalk which means you can easily access the site and its features on the go.
6. There are plenty of social groups that you can join as a member. They’re great places to start discussions about the things you’re interested in. The social group with the most members is ‘Self Harm Support’ - it has more than 500 members!
7. You can fully customise your profile once you’re a member by choosing background colours or images and filling out your ‘About Me’ section.
8. There are 37 different forums, as well as extra sub-forums - the forums with the most views are ‘Good Days!’ and ‘Self Harm’.
9. You can share your own pieces of work, like poetry and art, in the Self Expression forum, for feedback from other members.
10. The forums aren’t just for advice - you can get stuck in with games in the Chit-Chat and Games and Things forums.
11. There are articles published regularly that cover a multitude of topics. For example, the most viewed article is ‘Dangers of teen vaping’.
12. Twice per month we publish interesting, colourful infographics. They are fun, accessible and educational. For example, one my favourites is ‘Halloween vs All Saints’ Day’
13. There's a special section in the forums called 'Adulting', dedicated to adults and their struggles. These are the newest forums aimed as slightly older members.
14. You can post on TeenHelp without registration or, you can post as a registered user, but check the 'Anonymous' box and your post will be published anonymously
15. You can see which user(s) have birthday today, or what the upcoming events are, on the bottom of the page
16. TeenHelp has the 'blog' option - write your posts and leave comments on other's blogs. You can customise your own blog by creating a name for it and adding colours and themes. You can also adjust your privacy settings and decide who can view and comment on your entries.
17. TeenHelp is not just the forums: there's the Chat Room, HelpLink and lots of other resources - including a page filled with resources to ‘Promote TeenHelp’!
18. TeenHelp is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers.
19. Everyone can become a volunteer, and everyone can get a role they like best: you could become a Mentor, Chat Buddy, Newsletter Writer, Article Editor, Graphic Designer, Social Media Guru... there are so many roles to choose from! You can put volunteering in your CV or resume, too.
20. TeenHelp's newsletter is issued by e-mail on a regular basis, and it consists of interesting seasonal articles, tips and photos taken by our users.
21. You can change your avatar, profile picture, signature... You can even include colourful text and pictures in your signature.
22. There's a zone on the page dedicated to people in crisis, and it has a list of alternatives or safe contacts one can get in touch with 24/7.
23. We organize contests on a regular basis (with prizes!).
24. Every year for Christmas, Halloween and some other occasions we have a Movie Night on the Discord Channel.
25. TeenHelp has social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - interesting graphics are posted there every couple days.

Happy 25th birthday TeenHelp!