NHS prescribes phone game to reduce anxiety in children

A specially-produced game for phones and tablets is being prescribed by the NHS after it was shown to help reduce anxiety among children – by using quests to get them to face their fears.

Lumi Nova combines gaming with cognitive behavioural therapy and was commissioned for use in Gloucestershire to tackle increasing emotional difficulties among younger children after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based on survey feedback from 50 Gloucestershire families, 71% of children who used the app before other treatments were tried required no further support.

The digital therapy app does not require a prescription or referral, with NHS Gloucestershire offering it for free to families.

Lumi Nova takes children through a series of personalised quests, such as drawing themselves in particular scenarios or watching videos before facing their fears in real life.

The game was commissioned by the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning in 2023.

The decision came after growing demand and increased waiting times for children's mental health services in the county, alongside calls from children, young people, their families and school staff for earlier access to digital help.

Gloucestershire County Council's pupil wellbeing survey found in 2024 that one in four children worried about going to school.

David Williams said his eight-year-old daughter was struggling with anxiety to the point where it was affecting her life and learning.

He said her mental health is now "so much better" after completing two quests in the game, including one about her fear of dogs, which was putting her off going to school.

"Now she can walk past a dog without fear and the walks to school are enjoyable again.

"After this quest, her teacher supported her in stroking the school's pet therapy dog. She has never wanted to get so close to stroke a dog before!"

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