In response to the growing mental health crisis and lengthy delays in specialist appointments, a woman from Bournemouth launched a card game in response to this.
Lauren Crossby created the game Courage Quest designed to offer support and encouragement for mental health sufferers cope with wait times to see a specialist.
In the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, the average wait time to see a specialist is currently 18 weeks.
When Lauren was struggling herself, she had made a ‘not bucket list’ list whilst having to wait eight months to see a CBT specialist.
The ‘not bucket list’ list is things she wanted to achieve in life.
Courage Quest builds on that idea. Players draw cards that fall into three categories, make memories, challenges and travel and explore.
Once the card is drawn, they have 48 hours to complete the task, the goal is to encourage small, positive actions to help fill an emotional void created by long wait times.
“It is recommended to document these tasks and achievements,” Lauren said.
“People with mental health often struggle with their memory, they tend to remember the negatives instead of the positives.”
The game offers a creative outlet promoting mental resilience and Lauren hopes the game can serve as a tool for people waiting for professional care
She said: “Now I want to help others achieve the same thing. This is my way to give back to people that has helped me through the years.”
Data from RC Psych Royal College of Psychiatrists stated that three quarters of mental health patients seek help from emergency services.
Lauren stated: “People have waited up to four hours on emergency services lines.
“It is outrageous that it can take up to eight months in this area to see a mental health specialist.”
Lauren said: “You can make the smallest difference to someone’s life and that’s what I want to do.
“Courage Quest gives people an achievement, fun moments release positive chemicals.”