An interactive mental health education tool for young Australians created by researchers at The University of Western Australia has won an award for its design and innovation.

Bluurb.me, funded by Healthway and led by Dr Lisa Saulsman and Dr Julie Ji from UWA’s School of Psychological Science, and Professor Stephen Houghton, from UWA’s Graduate School of Education, was recognised with an Australian International Good Design Award.

The judges said the app combined evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy techniques with an engaging digital guide, which has the potential to provide valuable support for youth mental health and wellbeing.

“The award recognises that this tool has the potential to make mental health resources more accessible for young people, empowering them to take control of their wellbeing,” Dr Saulsman said.

“The app was co-designed by young people and psychologists to teach everyone how to manage their emotions and generally boost mental health.”

Originally designed for 14-to-17-year-olds and developed by Today, Bluurb.me is accessible for English-speaking people who have Year Eight reading level capabilities and internet access.

The free and confidential tool features videos, activities and quizzes across seven modules and users learn expert skills supported by a team of psychologists from UWA. 

After completion of each module, users collect strategies to help them improve their mental health and wellbeing.

“The key focus of the tool is to guide and teach young people to recognise and cope with their emotions and life situations in an engaging, interactive way that keeps them safe and supported,” Dr Ji said.

“We’re reducing isolation, boosting mental health skills and doing it in a way that young people can relate to.”

Healthway is currently funding the evaluation phase of Bluurb.me. The grant was awarded to a research team that included: Associate Professor Yael Perry, from UWA’s Medical School and The Kids Institute; Professor Sean Hood, from UWA’s Medical School; and Dr Megan Lim from the Burnet Institute in Victoria.