A MOBILE phone 'app' developed to support teenagers in St Helens is the first of its kind in the country.

The app, created by NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and St Helens Council, provides information and advice on health and social issues which affect young people, including bullying and sexual exploitation.

A website carrying the same information will complement the app, which was developed after speaking to more than 100 teenagers from school and youth groups over the past year.

The app was launched at Cowley International College, by Dr Stephen Cox, clinical chief executive of St Helens CCG.

Dr Cox said: "We have engaged with young people who have been very specific about the worries and concerns they have, and how they want us to communicate with them.

"We understand there is often conflicting and confusing information and advice for young people when it comes to health and wellbeing, and the aim of providing a dedicated website and accompanying mobile phone app is to provide all of the right information in one place so as many young people as possible are able to access it."

The phone app and website, which is backed by a number of schools in the borough, are free to use and download.

St Helens Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Andy Bowden, said: "The app is a great platform for engaging with young people and a great way to communicate our health and wellbeing messages."

Topics include serious illnesses such as meningitis and septicaemia, conditions like asthma and diabetes, general wellbeing, relationships and contraception, sexual exploitation, bullying, young carers and digital safety.

Julie Wright, work-related learning manager at Cowley International College, said: "The teenage app is amazing. The young people of St Helens will benefit immensely from accessing this app, which will lead them to living a fuller and healthier lifestyle."

The app - called StHelensHealthAdviceForYP - is available on Google Play and the Apple Store by searching for 'St Helens health' or visit the website at sthelenshealthadviceforyp.uk.