With World Mental Health Day taking place on 10 October, AR companies Enlighten and Zappar have teamed up to produce a series of augmented reality-triggering posters for schools, colleges, universities, businesses and the Armed Forces.

Initially trialled for Suicide Prevention Day, the posters saw a staggering 443 per cent increase in self-referrals for anxiety and depression, a 27 per cent increase in self-referrals for self-harm and eight per cent for suicidal thoughts.

Designed as part of an awareness campaign in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness, the posters were created using ZapWorks, Zappars AR content creation platform, and aim to provide support through their interactive elements while also removing the stigma associated with mental health.

“The use of technology and augmented reality opens up so many doors to talk to our younger generation,” said Steve Wileman, co-founder of Enlighten. “It allows us to highlight the vitally important issues surrounding mental health and we really hope that the use of AR will encourage people to discuss their problems and seek help through our charity partner Rethink.”

The series of posters tackle issues including panic attacks, stress and depression, with a specially-designed poster for the military addressing the topic of PTSD. Once zapped, the posters show a video that gives mental health support and guidance, and provide those interacting with access to a direct dial national helpline, as well as the ability to self-refer via email.

“The benefits of AR allows and enables maximum accessibility and portability of support materials, negating the need for computer log-on or paper-based information leaflets, textbooks and computers or laptops,” said Suzanne Edwards, co-founder of Enlighten. “Using augmented reality provides modern self-support and situated learning communication methods in a way that is comfortable and easily accessible to all, developing a nationwide inclusive culture and removing the stigma that is still attached to mental health issues.”

“Mental health is a hugely important topic and with so many young people suffering in silence, the use of AR technology can make a real difference,” said Max Dawes, partnerships and marketing director at Zappar. “The interactive posters created by Enlighten using ZapWorks literally bring to life the issues in a virtual world and will provide instant access to Rethink where youngsters can get the help and advice they need.”