Army mental health app developed

A network of NHS trusts have developed a free iPhone app to help soldiers who suffer from mental illnesses.

The app, called ‘Joining Forces’, provides tailored information on 11 mental health problems such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

The creation of the app was led by South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Martin Deahl, the trust’s clinical lead for the project and a serving Territorial Army colonel, said the app marketplace had significant potential to contribute to “destigmatising” mental health.

“In my work with service personnel I could see the benefit that it would bring in terms of awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help”.

South Staffordshire and Shropshire leads a network of NHS trusts, known as Joining Forces, to provide inpatient mental health care to the armed forces.

It decided to design an app so that all serving personnel, wherever they were in the world, would have access to information and support on mental health disorders.

The app, has been approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and outlines the signs of mental health problems and tells users where they can access help and support.

It includes interactive videos and encourages soldiers to seek advice if they feel they have any symptoms of mental illness.

The app is only available on iPhones, but an Android version is being developed and due to be launched later this year.