£17 businesses are receiving government support to produce low-cost innovations to support people with their mental health.

There has been a 40 per cent rise in people receiving mental health support from the NHS in England since before the pandemic.

Projects receiving support include smart glasses which help people struggling with severe depression to complete everyday tasks and AI filter apps making therapy for debilitating anxiety less daunting.

£3.6 million of funding has come from from Innovate UK’s Mindset extended reality (XR) for digital mental health programme.

In Northern Ireland, a project led by Life Process Program is developing a customisable virtual coach for individuals struggling with substance abuse in an interactive environment that mimics real-life therapy sessions.

In West Yorkshire EcoGPX is linking extended reality with physical activities to connect people with nature and support adults living with generalised anxiety.

Science minister, Lord Vallance, said: "These projects are shining examples of how innovation can transform people’s quality of life, by helping those with severe mental health conditions to take on everyday tasks that can otherwise feel impossible.

"From smart glasses helping those with debilitating depression to navigate through the day to games helping children to build their social skills, we are supporting teams across the UK to build cutting-edge tech that unlocks opportunity, supports the NHS and grows our economy."

Minister for mental health, Baroness Merron, said: "Technology is transforming healthcare and we are putting patients at the heart of this revolution.

"New tools such as smart glasses and AI filter apps show how we’re backing innovations to reach people with mental health conditions - especially in communities that often get left behind.

"By embracing new tech, we’re improving lives and reducing pressure on the NHS to make healthcare fit for the future, as part of our Plan for Change."