A Growing Mental Health Crisis
Across the UK, children and young people are experiencing unprecedented levels of mental health need.
- In 2023, 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8–25 years were identified as having a probable mental disorder (NHS Digital).
- Almost one third (32.8%) of 17–24 year olds have self-harmed or attempted self-harm. This rises sharply to 69.5% among young people with a probable mental health condition (NHS Digital).
- In 2023/24, 78,577 young people waited more than a year for NHS treatment, with almost half waiting over two years (Young Minds).
Behind these figures are real lives placed on hold. The prolonged wait for specialist care creates a dangerous gap, leaving young people vulnerable at the very time they need timely and effective support.
The Theme of Youth Mental Health Day 2025: Share Support
Against this backdrop, the theme of Youth Mental Health Day 2025 (19th September) is Share Support.
Sharing support can take many forms:
- Recommending a trusted mental health tool.
- Passing on a resource that has helped.
- Offering a kind message or encouragement to seek professional help.
These small but meaningful actions matter. Evidence shows that peer support is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and that young people are often more likely to discuss their challenges when encouragement comes from those they trust (Mental Health Foundation).
stem4’s Approach: Early Intervention Through Technology
stem4 was established in 2012 by Clinical Psychologist Dr Nihara Krause MBE to address the urgent need for early intervention. Recognising that long waits left young people without support, stem4 developed a suite of clinically informed, evidence-based apps co-created with young people.
As of September 2025, stem4’s five apps (Calm Harm, Clear Fear, Move Mood, Worth Warrior and Combined Minds) have been downloaded more than 5.5 million times worldwide. They provide accessible, confidential support across the areas of self-harm, anxiety, low mood, depression, body image difficulties and supporting others.
For many, these tools are a vital lifeline:
- Around half of stem4’s users report accessing no other form of mental health support.
- For others, the apps complement existing clinical treatment.
In 2024 alone, users of Calm Harm reported successfully reducing over 75,000 urges to self-harm.
The Impact of Sharing Support
Calm Harm’s growth, downloaded more than 4 million times worldwide without marketing spend, highlights the power of shared support. Its reach has been driven almost entirely by recommendations from young people, professionals and educators.
User feedback reflects its life-saving impact:
“I’m now over a year self-harm free. This app has kept me motivated for the future.”
“This app has helped me so much and most probably saved my life.”
“I was shown this app by someone I spoke with on a hotline. It gave me resources when I had none.”
These testimonials illustrate how the simple act of sharing a resource can provide hope and practical support to those most in need.
How to Get Involved This Youth Mental Health Day
This 19th September, we invite schools, communities, professionals and individuals to join us in ensuring no young person faces mental health challenges alone.
Ways to participate include:
- Sharing Support: Recommend stem4’s apps or other trusted resources. Share helplines and information within your networks.
- Raising Awareness: Use our downloadable campaign resources to spark conversations in schools, workplaces and online. Download here.
- Taking Part in the Campaign Video: Submit a short clip explaining why you recommend a stem4 app. Share here.
- Fundraising or Wearing Purple: Organise an activity in your school, office or community to raise awareness and vital funds. Learn more about fundraising.
All resources, including the Young Person’s Booklet, posters and social media assets, are available here: stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday.
Supporting stem4
As a small charity, stem4 relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue offering evidence-based mental health tools at scale. There are several ways to contribute 👉
Looking Ahead
Youth Mental Health Day is a moment to highlight both the urgency of the mental health crisis and the power of community action. While systemic change is vital, every individual can play a role by sharing support and amplifying resources that work.
On 19th September 2025, we encourage you to take part, download resources, and help spread the message: no young person should face mental health challenges alone.
Learn more: stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday
