The theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2019 is 'Healthy: Inside & Out', encouraging young people to think about their physical health and mental health.

According to Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 10 young people experience mental health issues. However, many still fear the stigma of talking about their mental health. A poll by YouGov for the Prince's Trust found that "Over three-quarters of young people say there is a stigma to mental illness and a quarter would not ask for help if they were suffering" (BBC, 2017)

Every day, our colleagues provide advice and support to young people and families across London, Essex, Kent & Medway, signposting our service users to mental health apps designed to be used as a self-help resource.So we decided to get in touch with a few students from the University of East London to help raise awareness of these resources.

Please note the apps recommended below are aids for treatment and do not replace it. Visit our services page to contact your local mental health service for advice and support 

MeeTwo

"The MeeTwo app encourages young people to help themselves by helping each other. Turning difficult life experiences, into useful advice for someone else who is struggling, increases confidence and builds resilience. MeeTwo is a beautifully simple solution to a complex social problem" (Source: MeeTwo)

Watch as Poppy shares her thoughts on MeeTwo. Find out more at https://www.meetwo.co.uk/ or search MeeTwo on the App Store and Google Play.

Stop, Breathe & Think

The aim of this mindfulness app is "to help kids, teens and young adults build the emotional strength to tackle life’s ups and downs." (Source: Stop, Breathe & Think)

Watch as Tim shares his thoughts on Stop Breathe & Think. Find out more at https://www.stopbreathethink.com/ or search Stop Breathe & Think on the App Store and Google Play

Calm Harm

Calm Harm provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. You can make it private by setting a password, and personalise the app if you so wish. You will be able to track your progress and notice change." (Source: Calm Harm)

Watch as Tim shares his thoughts on Calm Harm. Find out more at https://calmharm.co.uk/ or search Calm Harm on the App Store and Google Play

Cove

"With Cove, you can capture your mood or express how you feel by making music and storing it in a personal journal." (Source: Cove)

Find out more about Cove at http://www.cove-app.com/or search Cove on the App Store and Google Play

Mood tools

Watch as our very own Emma Selby, from our EWMHS service in Essex, shares her thoughts on Mood Tools. Find out more at http://www.moodtools.org/ or search Mood Tools on the App Store and Google Play.