BSc Computer Science · University of Derby · 2025–2026
About This Project
SoulSupport was built as a final year dissertation project — grounded in academic research, shaped with professional guidance, and designed with genuine care for student wellbeing.
Evidence‑Based
Grounded in validated clinical tools, peer-reviewed research, and established UK mental health frameworks.
Professionally Informed
Content and resource selection was shaped with input from qualified mental health practitioners.
Supplementary Only
A complementary wellbeing resource — not a clinical service or a replacement for professional care.
Please Note
Everything on SoulSupport is offered as additional support only. It is not clinical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, please speak to your GP, a qualified counsellor, or contact one of the helplines on our Help page. Your health and safety always come first.
The Project
SoulSupport was developed as a final year dissertation project for a BSc Computer Science degree at the University of Derby. The project set out to explore how digital technology can meaningfully support student mental wellbeing — combining software engineering with user-centred design, accessibility research, and applied psychology.
The result is a free, open wellbeing platform featuring guided breathing, meditation, movement, sound therapy, and sleep resources — alongside a validated mental health screening tool and direct links to UK crisis helplines.
Research Foundation
The development process involved extensive research into the UK mental health digital landscape, including analysis of leading charity websites (Mind, Samaritans, YoungMinds, CALM, Kooth), NHS digital health standards, WCAG accessibility guidelines, and academic literature on evidence-based digital mental health interventions.
The PHQ-4 screening tool used in the Wellbeing Check-in is a clinically validated instrument (Kroenke et al., 2009, Archives of Internal Medicine) widely used in primary care settings. All content follows safe messaging standards set by the Samaritans Media Guidelines and the Papyrus framework.
Professional Involvement
The content, resources, and clinical approach were informed by consultation with qualified mental health professionals. Their input shaped the resource selection, safe messaging practices, crisis escalation design, and the overall appropriateness of content presented across the platform.
How to Use This Platform
SoulSupport is designed to be a starting point — not an endpoint. Use the breathing exercises when you feel anxious. Browse the meditation videos when you want stillness. Check the helplines page if you need to talk to someone right now. Take the Wellbeing Check-in for a gentle snapshot of how you're doing.
Whatever brings you here, you are always encouraged to also speak to a health professional. These resources complement professional care; they do not replace it.
Legal Disclaimer
Last updated 08/04/2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using SoulSupport you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this disclaimer. If you do not agree to abide by these terms, please do not use the app.
2. Not a Substitute for Professional Advice
The content provided through SoulSupport is for informational and supplementary purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.
3. No Doctor–Patient Relationship
Use of SoulSupport does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. The app is not a tool for the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition and should not be considered as such.
4. Liability
The app and its content are provided on an “as is” basis. The creator of SoulSupport hereby disclaims all warranties of any kind, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
5. External Links
SoulSupport may contain links to third-party websites or services. The creator has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.
6. Emergency Contacts
For any emergencies, please visit the Help page for emergency contacts, or dial 999 in the UK. The Samaritans are free on 116 123, available 24 hours a day, every day.
7. Changes to This Disclaimer
The creator reserves the right to modify or replace this disclaimer at any time.
Contact
If you have any questions about this project or disclaimer, please contact nintah85@gmail.com.