Bebo has launched a feature to provide users with a central source of information, support and advice on issues relating to mental health, social care and wellbeing.

The Be Well platform is accessible to the social networking site's 12 million users in the UK and Ireland via a thumbnail on the Bebo homepage.

Bebo aims to provide the community with access to expert independent advice from support organisations on a broad range of issues.

"We recognise that our community socialises online and appreciates easy access to support services from within Bebo which may not be as readily accessible in the real world," said Dr Rachel O'Connell, chief safety officer at Bebo.

"People can really benefit from expert advice at certain points in their lives. The Be Well approach is a natural progression to best support a community that spends more time online than ever before."

Bebo is working in partnership with 12 initial member organisations including Samaritans, ChildLine, Mencap and Beatbullying.

Anthony Langan, public affairs officer at Samaritans, said: "Our partnership with Bebo enables us to engage with a key target audience of people aged between 15 and 24, one of the most 'at risk' groups."

The platform has launched initially in the UK and Ireland, but is set to include partner organisations from around the world. Bebo is also seeking to extend the number of partnerships involved.