The mental health app Tellmi is now available free for all 11- to 18-year-olds across Somerset. 

Tellmi, an evidence-based early intervention mental health app has been made freely available to young people across Somerset this month. The app has been commissioned by NHS Somerset to improve mental health outcomes for young people. 

This fresh launch follows a Tellmi campaign across 8 Somerset schools. Tellmi said their data showed 83% of app users reported feeling less isolated, and 45% of self-harmers reported they had stopped or reduced self-harming. One third of suicidal young people reported experiencing fewer suicidal thoughts after using Tellmi. 

The project is working with Young Somerset, Somerset County Council, and CAMHS (child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to support young people on waiting lists and relieve pressures on local services. The app enables young people to anonymously discuss their feelings.

Described as a “dedicated peer support app” Tellmi is considered safe for children 11 and over. Posts on the app are approved by human moderators, and in-house counsellors will intervene to help high risk users when needed. 

In a statement the Co-CEO at Tellmi said: “Digital solutions have the potential to transform mental health support. But they must be safe and evidenced-based. At Tellmi everything is backed up by research and safeguarding is a priority which means our service works and is safe to be used by children as young as 11 years old.”

In 2022 a nine month study of 876 young people by University college London found “statistically significant” evidence that Tellmi improved the mental health of its users.