Independent evaluation shows using Tellmi improves mental health outcomes across multiple measures
NHS funded evaluation identifies that Tellmi’s all-age digital mental health solution in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland addresses gaps in traditional care pathways, including for those on waiting lists and young people transitioning into adult services.
An independent NHS-funded evaluation among users of our all-age service, commissioned by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland NHS ICB (LLR), has shown that using Tellmi improves mental health across multiple validated wellbeing measures.
Evaluation Outcomes
The evaluation, conducted by health analytics consultancy Edge Health, found:
A statistically significant increase in self-esteem (+ 64%)
A statistically significant increase in hope (+ 33%)
A statistically significant increase in social connectedness (+ 20%)
A statistically significant reduction in loneliness (- 9%).
An increase in resilience which was not statistically significant (+8%)
Helping young people to understand themselves and feel less alone
Users reported that connecting anonymously with age-banded peers who were experiencing similar challenges to them helped them to feel understood. Providing reciprocal advice and support in a safe, pre-moderated caring online community helped them feel less isolated.
Addressing gaps in the care pathway
The study also identified that Tellmi is addressing gaps in the traditional care pathway across LLR. Evaluation results showed that Tellmi offered accessible and effective help early while waiting to begin treatment through NHS mental health services, provided valuable support outside of regular service hours, and supported transitions between young person and adult services.
Continuity of care during transition to other services
The report emphasised the value of Tellmi’s all-age service for those in the transition ages of 14-19, who made up 32% of all Tellmi users and 23% of those participating in text-based Tellmi Therapy. The all-age service provides people with continuity and stability in their care during the often complex and slow transition period.
A service that grows with the child
Age-banding means Tellmi users under 19 only ever speak to peers within two years of their own age, and adult users only ever speak to other adults, ensuring safety and relevance. Evaluation of user activity showed that the most commonly discussed topics on Tellmi shifted into more adult-focused themes as users got older. The evaluation’s recommendations included greater integration with NHS services to ensure more accessible support for those in the transition phase.
High levels of engagement
Across all ages, over 2,700 people have used Tellmi since April 2024 in LLR, with an upward monthly trend in new users. Engagement is high, with 86% of users accessing Tellmi more than once a week.
A trusted source of support
Outreach and engagement activity has helped Tellmi become a trusted presence in the local community. Tellmi has become a trusted source of support among those who use the service, with 82% of users satisfied or very satisfied with the help Tellmi provides, and 76% saying they would lose a valuable source of support should Tellmi no longer be available.
A flexible and accessible service
Traditional 1-2-1 services are often restricted to one scheduled session per week. Interviews with Tellmi users revealed that they valued the flexibility of the Tellmi service, with moderation, counselling and therapy sessions available all day every day from 8.30am to 11pm, 365 days a year.
The outcomes from the independent evaluation highlight the benefit of Tellmi’s digital mental health service on the mental health of our users, while showing its ability to support the NHS in meeting its strategic objectives and address gaps in local mental health care pathways.
To request the full report or to find out more about commissioning Tellmi’s all-age digital mental health service in your area, contact info@tellmi.help.
