A new digital intervention combining gaming and therapy is being offered to children in Gloucestershire to help tackle rising anxiety levels. Lumi Nova, a mobile game rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is designed to help children face their fears through engaging quests.

Initially commissioned in 2023 by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning, the game was developed in response to growing concerns around children’s mental health following the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to provide early access to support amid increasing demand for services and long waiting times.

The app, available free to local families, uses personalised challenges to gradually build confidence and resilience. These tasks can include creative activities, watching short videos, or completing small steps towards overcoming specific anxieties in real life. It is designed to be used without referral or prescription, making support more accessible and immediate for children experiencing emotional difficulties.

Early feedback from a local survey of 50 families has shown encouraging results, with over 70% of children who used the app needing no further intervention. The success of Lumi Nova highlights the potential of digital solutions in addressing mild to moderate mental health concerns and supporting children’s wellbeing within their own environment.