Youth Service helps develop anxiety app

Young people helped to develop an app to help with anxiety Photo credit: Cardiff Council

Young people from Cardiff Youth Services have helped develop of an app to support teenagers with anxiety.

Six young people tested the technology as an alternative to traditional therapy over a six-week pilot period.

It was created by Elemental Health, who provide mental health support services for young people, in collaboration with Sugar Creative and Media Cymru.

The app requites young people to digitally “grow” a plant that represents them. From flower type to the number of leaves, environmental factors to the plant’s condition, the process is designed to help young people share with their support worker - and each other if they wish - their plant, its qualities, and how this links with what might be happening in their outer life.

Nearly a quarter of secondary school learners in Wales reported having very high levels of mental health symptoms in the years following COVID-19, according to the latest report from the School Health Research Network (SHRN) at Cardiff University.

Pilot data suggests that the app has helped engage a range of young people, many of whom are neurodivergent, and who might not engage with, attend or respond well to traditional counselling.

Benefits have been found to include reducing anxiety and depression and increasing social connection.

Elemental Health already works in schools and it is hoped the therapy could also support young people facing barriers to school attendance.

“Anxiety is having a huge impact”

Labour Cllr Peter Bradbury, cabinet member for tackling poverty, equality and supporting young people, said: “Cardiff Youth Services is committed to providing a range of ways to support young people who might experience anxiety and our teams are on hand to signpost individuals to the right help they require.

“Through partnership working with external organisations such as Elemental Health, young people have been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with.

“Through the use of gaming technology, the app provides an innovative approach which aims to have a positive impact on the lives of young people.”

Founder of Elemental Health, Angela McMillan, said: “We know that anxiety is having a huge impact on young people in Wales, and we need to find innovative ways to support them and their families.

“All my experience as a therapist has shown that putting young people at the centre of the conversation delivers the best possible outcomes.

“Working with Cardiff Youth Service, we’ve shown the huge impact this intervention can have, and we’re looking forward to continuing that work in Cardiff and beyond.”

Elemental Health’s programme will be rolled out in schools in Cardiff and Swansea over spring and summer 2025.