lumin&us® is a free, NHS-approved parenting app designed to support family wellbeing through play-based therapy. Created by social workers, play therapists, and educators, lumin&us® helps parents and carers understand and respond to their children's emotions and behaviours in a positive, supportive way.
The app uses the latest research in play therapy and Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory to help families:
- Understand their child’s behaviours and emotional states
- Support children experiencing anxiety and BIG EMOTIONS
- Improve relationships and reduce family conflict
- Support children’s mental health and overall family wellbeing
- Calm and soothe children through co-regulation of the nervous system
- Connect thoughts, feelings, and behaviours for both adults and children
Features include:
- SCAN button to identify your child’s emotional state (safe, struggling, or drowning)
- SCAN for adults with tips and tools to support parents and carers experiencing stress
- Free standard version and a premium version (available free for up to 12 months if you join our research trial)
How to access: Download lumin&us® for free from the App Store or Google Play. Visit the lumin&us® website for more information. Both parents and professionals are welcome to join our research trial for free premium access in partnership with the University of Birmingham.
Further support: Beacon Family Services also offers therapies, workshops, peer support groups, and resources for parents, children, and families. Explore our Families hub for events, instant support, and expert advice.
Cost: The standard app is free. Premium features are available free for up to 12 months if you participate in our research trial.
Parent or carers of children between the ages of 3-11 who:
- are worried about child's behaviours
- are worried about child's mental health or anxiety
- are seeking a diagnosis for an EHCP
- have an diagnosed, undiagnosed or suspected child with neurodivergence
- are seeking support with their parenting or family relationships
- who have recently suffered a loss, such as divorce or separation, or a bereavement
- have adopted or fostered children
Note that this App is for adult use. It is designed to support parents / carers with their own and their child's mental health and well-being while developing, strengthening and building relationships.