CompletedInterventional

Wait Less; an online brief psychological intervention to reduce waiting list distress

The 'Wait Less' study is exploring an online tool called MyMindWorks (MMW) for young people aged 12 to 17 who are on waiting lists for NHS Child and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) due to depression. This study aims to see if MMW can help them feel better and cope while they wait. Young people, parents, and staff helped design this app, making sure it addresses real concerns like not affecting their place on the waiting list. The study wants to find out if MMW is acceptable and useful and whether enough young people would want to use it. It will also help the researchers decide how many participants are needed for a bigger study to confirm if MMW truly helps young people recover and offers good value.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Depression in young people aged 12 to 17 years

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Wait Less' and focuses on helping young people aged 12 to 17 who are experiencing depression and are currently on a waiting list for NHS mental health support. The main idea is to see if an online tool called MyMindWorks (MMW) can provide valuable support during this waiting period. The NHS is interested in understanding if this kind of online help can make a difference, potentially helping young people feel better or even recover without needing further face-to-face treatment.

The MMW app was created with a lot of input from young people themselves, their parents, and mental health staff. This means it's designed to be user-friendly and address the concerns that really matter to young people. For example, they wanted to make sure that using MMW wouldn't affect their position on the waiting list for one-on-one help, and the study team has promised this won't happen. They also made sure that young people with different learning styles or conditions (neurodiverse individuals) can also use MMW, as they are often on the same waiting lists.

The study leaders want to find out two main things. Firstly, is MMW something young people find helpful and easy to use? Secondly, can they encourage enough young people to take part in this research? The answers will help them decide if they should move forward with a much larger study. That bigger study would then look more closely at whether MMW truly helps young people overcome depression and if it's a good use of NHS resources.

Key takeaways

The study helps young people (12-17) on mental health waiting lists for depression.
It tests an online tool called MyMindWorks (MMW) to see if it helps reduce distress.
Young people helped design MMW for their specific needs.
Taking part will not affect your place on the usual NHS waiting list.
All participants will get access to MMW eventually.
The study aims to improve future mental health support for young people.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 12 and 17 years old. You might be able to take part if you have been referred to your local NHS Child and Young People's Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) and are currently on their waiting list because you're feeling down or experiencing depression.

You can join the study as soon as you're put on the waiting list. You can stay in the study until you decide you no longer want to be on the waiting list, or until the mental health service offers you other treatment. Even if you usually find things difficult due to conditions like autism or ADHD, you can still take part in this study, as long as you're on the waiting list for depression or low mood.

There are no specific reasons that would stop someone from joining initially. If your situation changes significantly during the study and you need urgent help, you would receive that care and might leave the study, but this would be monitored carefully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Are you currently on an NHS waiting list for mental health services?
Are you on the waiting list because of low mood or depression?
Are you able to complete online questionnaires?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part, you will first fill out some questionnaires. Then, by chance, like flipping a coin, you will either get access to the MyMindWorks (MMW) online tool for eight weeks, or you will continue to wait for your usual NHS care without MMW. Regardless of which group you are in, you will fill out the same questionnaires again after 10 weeks and after 18 weeks. If you were in the group that didn’t get MMW at the start, you will be offered access to it after 18 weeks if you still want it. Some young people, parents, and staff will also be asked if they'd like to share their experiences with the researchers through a short chat.

Potential risks and benefits

A possible benefit of taking part is that you might find the MyMindWorks (MMW) online tool helpful in managing your feelings while you wait for regular treatment. Everyone in the study will get access to MMW eventually. However, half of the participants will need to wait 18 weeks before they get access to MMW. It's important to know that you will still have access to urgent mental health support from your NHS service if you need it at any point during the study. A small 'risk' is that taking part will involve spending some time filling out questionnaires. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (3)

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bracknell, England
University of Cambridge
Approximate
Cambridge, England

Common questions

What is the study called?

The study is called 'Wait Less'.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 12 to 17 who are on an NHS waiting list for depression or low mood can take part.

What is MyMindWorks (MMW)?

MMW is an online talking therapy tool designed to help young people cope while waiting for mental health services.

Will taking part affect my place on the NHS waiting list?

No, taking part in the study will not affect your place on the NHS waiting list for specialist mental health services.

Who is funding this research?

This research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Tamsin Ford

tjf52@cam.ac.uk None available Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.