Smart glasses that help people with severe depression complete daily tasks and AI-powered filter apps designed to make therapy for anxiety more approachable are among 17 pioneering projects receiving government support to transform mental health care across the UK.
Science Minister Lord Vallance announced the investment today, with £3.6 million in funding from Innovate UK’s Mindset programme. The projects are aimed at delivering real-time, scalable mental health support, reducing costs for the NHS and easing pressure on resources.
The backing comes amid a 40 per cent rise in people accessing NHS mental health support in England since before the pandemic. The technology will be developed and trialled over the next 12 to 18 months, offering potential breakthroughs in how patients manage complex conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and PTSD.
Among the innovations is a lightweight smart glasses system developed by CrossSense in London. The glasses use AI to help users with severe depression and memory loss by recognising household objects and providing real-time prompts through a connected app.
The technology can guide vulnerable individuals through everyday tasks – from issuing safety warnings such as “stay away from boiling water on the hob” to reframing negative thought patterns. It adapts over time to the wearer’s needs, helping prevent cognitive decline and enabling people to live more independently despite complex mental health challenges.
Immersive therapies and AI-powered tools
Other projects backed include:
• Play Well for Life, working with the University of the West of England, is developing an augmented reality board game that helps children improve communication, problem-solving and social skills in a supportive, interactive setting.
• Life Process Program, based in Northern Ireland, is building a customisable virtual coach for individuals recovering from substance abuse, simulating real-life therapy sessions.
• EcoGPX in West Yorkshire is linking extended reality with physical activity to connect people with nature and reduce anxiety.
• Photography Based Therapeutics, with the University of Surrey, is creating the world’s first app combining AI and AR to help young people use photo-editing filters to reduce distressing elements in images, replacing them with calming features. These visuals can then be used in therapy sessions to aid communication.
Lord Vallance described the programme as an example of science driving life-changing solutions: “From smart glasses helping those with debilitating depression to games helping children build social skills, we are supporting teams across the UK to build cutting-edge tech that unlocks opportunity, supports the NHS and grows our economy.”
Minister for Mental Health Baroness Merron added: “By embracing new tech, we’re improving lives and reducing pressure on the NHS to make healthcare fit for the future, as part of our Plan for Change.”
The funded projects cover a wide range of conditions including ADHD, autism, depression, occupational stress and addiction recovery. They form part of the government’s wider 10 Year Health Plan, which pledges an additional £688 million for mental health services, more staff, expanded talking therapies and enhanced access via the NHS App.
By investing in extended reality (XR) – including VR, AR, mixed reality and haptic technologies – the government aims to put the UK at the forefront of digital mental health solutions. These tools could be available via the NHS following clinical approval, or through regulated private channels, offering patients new ways to access personalised, effective care.
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Smart glasses and AI apps backed to transform mental health care in the UK