1 in 5 UK children have a probable mental health disorder. (NHS Digital, 2024)

82% of UK parents have shown signs of parental burnout. (Action for Children, 2024)

2 out of 3 parents take time off work due to children's mental health needs. (Nutfield Trust, 2024)

50% of mental health disorders are established by age 14. (Mental Health Foundation, 2024)

Nearly half of children referred to mental health services in the UK are under 13 years old. (Children's Commissioner Report, 2024)

About lumin&us®

Nov 29, 2024 | About lumin&us®

Our Story

lumin&us® was created by Charlotte Jenkins and Lisa Merryweather-Millard. Charlotte is a Social Worker and the CEO and Founder of Beacon Family Services. This organisation provides therapeutic support to families in the West Midlands (UK), as well as internationally through online support. Lisa is an educator, former secondary school leader and founder of a multi-disciplinary graphic design studio.

Charlotte and Lisa began collaborating in 2019 when Charlotte was in need of a website. Naturally, Charlotte commissioned Philip Millard, her school-aged best friend turned graphic designer – and Lisa’s husband and business partner. Through this work, Charlotte and Lisa found a dynamic synergy and complimentary skill set. More importantly, they shared a passion and drive for improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

When COVID hit, Charlotte, Lisa and Philip worked together again to meet the needs of families struggling to access therapeutic support. ‘Cards To Help You Connect’, our original neuroscience and play therapy-based resources, were a huge success. The resources helped fill the gap in provision and were downloaded by over 30,000 families and organisations.

Families requested ‘on-the-go’, 24/7 support. In response, in 2021, Charlotte and Lisa created a new company called Beacon Services Resources CIC, the research and development arm of Beacon Family Services. They also launched their innovative app, lumin&us®. This achievement was possible through generous funding from Clarion Housing, Innovate UK, and West Midlands Combined Authority. Contributions also came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Birmingham City Council. In 2023, lumin&us® was certified for use in the NHS by ORCHA.

Our Mission

lumin&us® exists for one reason, to improve mental health and wellbeing for children.

lumin&us® is for parents and carers of 3-12 year olds. Our app harnesses the knowledge and skill of mental health professionals, neuroscience and relational play therapy to help parents support their children’s mental health and wellbeing.

The lumin&us® Team

The lumin&us® team is made up of Social Workers, play therapists, mental health experts, psychologists, educators, designers, and fellow parents. Together, we are expanding access to cost-effective, professional, early and preventative therapeutic support to families worldwide.