The app, called Lumi Nova, provides on-demand access to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) through an immersive gaming experience for children aged seven to 12.
It was first commissioned by East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) in 2022 and has been accessed by almost 800 children in this age group between April 2024 and March 2025.
This includes children living in Newham andTower Hamlets.
Data from ELFT indicates that almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Lumi Nova users were experiencing a mental health challenge within the clinical range before accessing the service.
Of this group, 72pc saw improvements in their relationships with family and school, and in their general lives after using Lumi Nova.
Almost 40pc of the children accessing Lumi Nova through ELFT were from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Of these children, 83 per cent reported improvements in their daily lives following the use of the app.
Lisa Young, clinical lead for Whole School Approaches – Wellbeing in Newham Schools Team, said: “Lumi Nova has been a valuable tool.
“It offers an early intervention option for families who find traditional routes to accessing mental health support difficult.”
The social enterprise BFB Labs, along with children, parents, NHS clinicians, educators, and mental health experts, co-designed Lumi Nova as a first-line treatment option.
It helps children self-manage their worries and build lifelong mental resilience.
Users navigate through personalised quests that gradually expose them to their fears, thus helping them overcome these concerns.
Manjul Rathee, founder and chief executive of BFB Labs, said: “We are thrilled with the promising outcomes from our collaboration with East London NHS Foundation Trust, and in particular, the strong results we have seen among children from minority groups.”
