An interactive mental health education tool designed for young Australians has received acclaim for its innovative approach and design. The app, known as Bluurb.me, was developed by researchers at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and has been honored with an Australian International Good Design Award.
Bluurb.me, funded by Healthway and led by Dr. Lisa Saulsman and Dr. Julie Ji from UWA’s School of Psychological Science, along with Professor Stephen Houghton from UWA’s Graduate School of Education, combines evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with an engaging digital interface. The judges praised the app for its potential to provide essential support for youth mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Saulsman remarked, “The award recognizes that this tool has the potential to make mental health resources more accessible for young people, empowering them to take control of their wellbeing.” The app was co-designed by both young individuals and psychologists to equip users with skills for managing their emotions and enhancing their overall mental health.
Originally targeted at 14 to 17-year-olds, Bluurb.me is accessible to English-speaking users with a Year Eight reading level and internet access. The free and confidential platform offers a wealth of resources, including videos, activities, and quizzes organized across seven modules. Users gain expert skills and guidance from a team of psychologists at UWA.
Upon completing each module, users accumulate strategies to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Ji emphasized the app’s focus, stating, “The key objective is to guide and teach young people how to recognize and cope with their emotions and life situations in an engaging, interactive way that keeps them safe and supported.”
By fostering connections and enhancing mental health skills, Bluurb.me aims to reduce feelings of isolation among young people in a relatable manner. Healthway is currently funding the evaluation phase of Bluurb.me, with a research team that includes 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.
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