Teaching youth to manage mental health challenges

Digital Solution

Robots & Pencils developed the BoosterBuddy app for iOS and Android to help teens and young adults improve their mental health. Featuring a friendly avatar companion and elements of gamification, the app helps users engage in positive wellness habits, cope more effectively with symptoms, and overcome difficulty with planning and organizing regular tasks. Users can:

• Report daily on how they’re feeling
• Complete wellness tasks to earn coins they can use to accessorize their avatar.
• Create and personalize a crisis plan, including contact information for their support team.
• Get a well-being boost with customizable quick tips, encouraging messages, and more.
• Track daily check-ins, appointments, medication, and treatment adherence.

During the app design and development process, our team regularly collected input not only from the staff at the health authority, but also from the population they serve. These recurring check-ins helped to ensure the final product resonated well with its intended audience.

The BoosterBuddy app was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.