Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will have discussions with digital tech companies on the potential for (a) developing and (b) using digital wearable devices and apps for improving mental health.

Both the Department and NHS England have regular conversations with tech companies with regards to the potential for developing and using digital tools for improving mental health, including wearable devices and apps. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Early Value Assessments are specifically looking at promising technologies, with a focus on mental health within pilot topics. Guidance has been released for guided digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools for children and young people with symptoms of low mood and anxiety and NICE have recently launched a consultation on guidance for digital technologies to support adults with depression or anxiety.