About the Oshn pilot

Oshn is a new mobile app designed to support young people aged 13 to 25 who are experiencing low mood or struggling with motivation.

Mental health challenges are increasingly common among young people in the UK. In 2023, around one in five children and young people were thought to have a mental health disorder. Low mood and depression are particularly widespread, affecting between 5 and 34 percent of people aged 13 to 25.

Traditional mental health services are under pressure, and digital tools like apps offer new ways to provide support. However, many existing apps do not keep young people engaged or offer meaningful help.

Oshn is different. It was co-designed with young people and delivers Behavioural Activation (BA) therapy through interactive, game-like features. BA helps people feel better by encouraging them to do activities that are meaningful and enjoyable.

Our Child and Adolescent Digital Mental Health Team at M-RIC has partnered with BfB Labs, the creators of the Oshn app, to evaluate how Oshn can support young people with low mood and motivation. We are inviting young people to take part in a study to help us understand how Oshn is used and whether it helps. Participants will receive vouchers as a thank-you for their time.

What will the study explore?

• Whether Oshn is easy and enjoyable to use

• Whether it feels safe and appropriate

• Whether it helps improve mood and motivation

We will look at how often the app is used, how satisfied users are, whether any problems arise, and whether there are changes in mood or daily functioning.

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are aged 13 to 25 (under 26)

• Experience low mood and/or low motivation

• Can understand and communicate in English

• Have regular access to a smartphone or tablet and a reliable internet connection

• Are willing to use the app and complete questionnaires for the study duration

• Can give informed consent (or have a parent/legal guardian willing to give consent if you are under 16)

• Do not have sight or movement difficulties that would make it hard to use mobile apps

Who cannot take part?

As Oshn is not designed for use during a mental health crisis, we are unable to include people who feel their mental health is currently very poor or in need of urgent help. This includes those who are significantly struggling due to a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition that requires urgent or intensive support (such as psychosis or major depression), or those currently experiencing a mental health crisis requiring immediate support to maintain personal safety.

During a mental health crisis, someone might also have thoughts of harming themselves or ending their life. If this sounds like what you are going through right now, Oshn may not be the right support for you. But you are not alone, and help is available. If you need urgent support, please speak to a trusted adult, contact your GP, or reach out to a mental health service such as Samaritans (call 116 123) or text SHOUT to 85258.

What happens if I sign up?

If you would like to take part, click the link below to access the Participant Information Sheet and complete the Informed Consent Form. If you have accessibility needs and would prefer another format, we can discuss options with you.

Taking part in this study involves completing online questionnaires and using the Oshn app for 4 to 8 weeks. You will also be invited to take part in an optional interview at the end of the 8 weeks. This interview will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams and will be recorded.

Why sign up?

By taking part, you will be helping us better understand the experiences of young people using digital mental health tools.

As a thank you, we will offer up to £25 in vouchers for completing all questionnaires. If you choose to take part in the optional interview, you will receive an additional £10 voucher.