Supporting Young People’s Mental Health with NHS Dorset

Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report from NHS England

In Dorset, local health leaders recognised the need to strengthen early help and prevention efforts, particularly given increasing demand and longer waiting times for specialist support. Public Health Dorset identified an opportunity to empower young people with safe, accessible digital health tools they could use independently to manage their mental wellbeing.

Collaboration with the Dorset Youth Association ensured the same trusted apps were reflected across voluntary sector channels, reinforcing consistent, quality-assured messaging at a time when young people are overwhelmed by conflicting online advice.

By curating a collection of clinically and digitally assured apps, the campaign provided young people with immediate, safe access to support - enabling self-management and early intervention. Given young people’s comfort with digital tools, engagement was rapid and sustained.