NHS Prescribes Lumi Nova App to Alleviate Children’s Anxiety

The NHS has begun prescribing a mobile game called Lumi Nova to help reduce anxiety in children. This app combines gaming with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, encouraging children to confront their fears through engaging quests. The initiative was launched in Gloucestershire to address a rise in emotional difficulties among youth, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Research conducted with 50 families in Gloucestershire revealed that 71% of children using the app did not require additional mental health support after their initial use. This feedback highlights Lumi Nova’s effectiveness as a preemptive measure before more intensive treatments are considered.

Lumi Nova is accessible for free, eliminating the need for a prescription or referral. This approach responds to increasing demand and lengthy waiting times for children’s mental health services in the region. According to a 2024 survey by Gloucestershire County Council, 25% of children expressed anxiety about attending school.

David Williams shared how the app has positively impacted his eight-year-old daughter, who faced debilitating anxiety that hindered her daily life and learning. After completing two quests, including one involving her fear of dogs, her mental health improved significantly. Williams reported, “Now she can walk past a dog without fear, and her walks to school are enjoyable again. After this quest, her teacher helped her stroke the school’s therapy dog, something she had never done before!”

The Lumi Nova app guides children through tailored quests, such as drawing themselves in challenging scenarios or watching videos to prepare for real-life encounters with their fears. This interactive approach aims to make mental health support more accessible and engaging for younger populations.

The game’s development was commissioned by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning, responding to calls from children, families, and educational staff for more immediate digital mental health resources. By integrating technology into therapeutic practices, the NHS aims to equip children with practical tools to manage their anxiety and improve their overall wellbeing.