stem4

Our February newsletter is out. This month we’re sharing updates on Clear Fear for Schools, new resources for schools supporting anxiety, and a fundraising update from Alan's One Million Metre Challenge. Read the full update here 👇

stem4 is proud to support #TimeToTalkDay 💬 Starting conversations about mental health with young people can feel tricky, but small steps make a big difference. We’ve shared practical tips for parents, carers and professionals on how to notice early signs, talk, and support positive change. For extra strategies and tools, the free Combined Minds app can help young people manage their wellbeing and build coping skills. Visit stem4.org.uk to find out more.

We’re pleased to see that the #FutureMinds Campaign roadmap has now launched. The roadmap sets out an evidence-informed plan to close the treatment gap by prioritising community-based support, expanding access to effective interventions, and harnessing digital innovation responsibly, helping ensure support reaches children and young people before crises occur. stem4 is proud to support this vital campaign and to stand alongside a growing coalition committed to improving early intervention and prevention across the UK. The Prudence Trust previously backed the Future Minds campaign, including its economic analysis published earlier this year demonstrating the benefits of investing in prevention and early intervention. We are also delighted to be working in partnership with the Prudence Trust, whose ongoing support is enabling stem4 to continue providing vital early-intervention mental health services for children and young people across the UK, while strengthening our long-term sustainability and reach. https://lnkd.in/efviqkby

“I needed something that genuinely helped.” 💬 Lacy Clear Fear is grounded in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and offers practical, accessible support for managing anxiety. For users who have experienced therapy, it mirrors many of the strategies used in clinical sessions, without the cost or barriers. If you work with children or young people, Clear Fear for Schools provides early stress and anxiety support for your whole school. Support when it’s needed most 💜 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2FtSJXT

🚣♂️ One month in: Alan’s One Million Metre Challenge! Alan Kelly has already rowed 162 km in 11 hours 44 minutes this January, that’s 16.2% of his 1,000,000 metre goal! 💜 So far, he’s raised £4,045 to support young people’s mental health through stem4’s evidence-based digital tools. Every metre counts and your support makes a difference! Support Alan here: https://lnkd.in/eZznjgCt Follow Alan's progress here: https://lnkd.in/eAKWgeUU #OneMillionMetres #YouthMentalHealth #FundraisingChallenge

The Department for Education has published updated guidance* on mobile phone use in schools, encouraging restrictions during the school day while recognising schools’ legal duties to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with medical and mental health needs. In response, stem4 has shared an open letter highlighting concerns about how blanket phone bans may affect young people who rely on clinically informed tools to manage anxiety and distress, and why flexibility in policy matters in practice. We welcome discussion and reflection on how schools can balance learning, safeguarding and mental health support. *https://lnkd.in/ejgnMUBp stem4 research on Clear Fear app: https://lnkd.in/eFJF_2Ax #MentalHealthInSchools #EducationPolicy #YoungPeople #Safeguarding

Today is Parent and Carer Mental Health Day This day highlights the vital link between a parent or carer’s wellbeing and the mental health of the young people they care for. Supporting parent mental health is a key protective factor for children and young people. Parents are at the core of family life, and when their mental health is affected, it can directly impact children’s wellbeing, emotional safety, and sense of security. While challenges are year-round, support doesn’t have to be limited to one day. 💬 As Dr Nihara Krause MBE shares: "Be honest with yourself and take stock of your own mental health. Seeking support and taking steps to address difficulties is a strength, not a weakness. Support is available, even if services are stretched, so keep trying until you find the help that works for you." For practical tips, expert guidance, and apps to support yourself and the young people in your life, visit: shttps://stem4.org.uk/pmhd/ For families supporting a young person with a mental health condition, explore: https://lnkd.in/esq7M7Ty #ParentMentalHealthDay #PMHD #PMHD2026

Following our announcement last week, we’re excited to continue working on the next phase of Clear Fear for Schools in the #Merton area. We’re looking to work with a small number of secondary schools interested in exploring how Clear Fear can support students with stress and anxiety. The programme offers: * Practical, evidence-based tools for students to use independently * Guidance and resources for staff to embed support across the school * Insight into engagement and impact, helping schools plan early intervention If your school is in Merton and you’d like to find out more, we’d love to have a conversation. Get in touch at clearfearschools@stem4.org.uk. Not in Merton? You can still join our mailing list to hear about future opportunities and updates from Clear Fear for Schools. 🔗 Learn more about Clear Fear for Schools: https://lnkd.in/e2FtSJXT 🔗 Join our mailing list: https://lnkd.in/euip9y3X Wimbledon Foundation #secondaryschool

Parent and Carer Mental Health Day is coming up on 30th January Looking after your own mental health as a parent or carer is vital, both for you, and for the young people in your care. While we won’t be running a dedicated campaign this year, support and practical tools are available all year round. Explore resources, expert advice, and guidance to help you support yourself and your family: https://stem4.org.uk/pmhd/ And for families supporting a young person with a mental health condition, check out the Combined Minds app: combinedminds.stem4.org.uk #ParentMentalHealthDay #PMHD #PMHD2026

📃 Research out today! We’re excited to share new findings on Worth Warrior, stem4’s app supporting young people with low self‑esteem and mild eating difficulties. Published in JMIR Publications, this preliminary case series explored the experiences of five young people (ages 19–25) using Worth Warrior over seven weeks. The study found: • Improvements in self-esteem for 4 out of 5 participants • Reductions in eating disorder symptoms for 3 out of 5 participants • Positive feedback on usability, interactive CBT-based activities, and journalling tools Participants reported that the app not only helped them manage thoughts and behaviours related to eating difficulties but also encouraged reaching out for support when needed, highlighting its potential as an early-intervention tool and as an adjunct to clinical care. While these findings are preliminary, they provide encouraging evidence that clinically-informed digital tools like Worth Warrior can help young people build self-worth and healthier coping strategies before difficulties escalate. Read the full open-access paper here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e7dSJJWE #WorthWarrior #YouthMentalHealth #DigitalMentalHealth #EarlyIntervention