The app supporting young people’s mental health

As part of our 21st birthday, we wanted to explore how various things have changed for young people since we started in 1999. One of these themes is technology and mental health, so who better to talk to than Jade, Product Manager of the new app at YoungMinds?

In our interview we explored plans, desired impact and youth ownership. Read all about it here…

Q: What made you want to progress into an app for young people from website/social media etc?

A: This project has been talked about for three years, since our current Director of Communications, Tom Madders wanted a tool that could better help more young people to communicate with YoungMinds.

While our social media gives great support and directly talks about the issues young people face with their mental health, we wanted a separate space that allows for more young people to contribute their thoughts and feelings.

When we had originally set out to explore what this product would be, we had originally thought about a specialised forum, or a website, but after working with young people on a number of workshops, the young people we worked with were very vocal that this should be an app.

The app – “We wanted a separate space that allows for more young people to contribute their thoughts and feelings.”

Q: What is the desired impact you have for the app?

A: The aim for the app is to create: A young people-led and owned community where a highly engaged and diverse group of young people (which includes young people who are currently unwell) are having fun and create real change within mental health.

We hope that this will reach any young person across the UK who wishes to participate in changing mental health for the better.

Q: Do you know other charities that have used apps and been successful?

A: Not entirely familiar with any other charities that have used this type of app! This is a participation space/cocreation app which I believe is unprecedented among UK charities.

Q: What response from young people have you had to the app so far?

A: We’ve had many young people sign up to the test, and overall feedback has been positive. People enjoy the variety of content that we have offered and are happy that we’ve created a space that lets opinions be heard.

Q: What are your plans for the app in the future?

A: At the moment, we are in a test phase, so it would be great to be able to add on additional features that make it feel more youth-owned and increase interaction. It would also be great to add in a section that helps young people learn about campaigning in their area, or writing to their MP and generally creating movements for change.

Want to find out more about YoungMinds and the support they offer young people? Click on the logo below.