Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Grief Support App for Adults Experiencing Bereavement

Coping with the loss of someone important can be very tough. Many people find there isn't enough easily accessible support. This study is testing a new smartphone app called Daybreak, which was created with experts and bereaved people. It offers information, exercises, resources, and a place to remember loved ones. We want to find out if the Daybreak app is useful, easy to use, and if it helps people deal with their grief. Participants will be split into two groups, both using the app for four weeks, with a waiting period before or after. We'll check in at different times to see how everyone is doing.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

Enrolment target

Start

05 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

30 Mar 2027

Grief

What is this study about?

Losing someone you care about is one of life's most challenging experiences. While grief is a natural process, it can feel overwhelming and change how you feel throughout the day. It often comes in 'waves', where some moments are harder than others. Many people struggle to find support that fits their daily life and is easy to get hold of when they need it most.

This is where smartphone apps could really help. They offer a private way to get support right when you need it, often without having to wait. Our new app, called Daybreak, has been carefully developed with advice from grief experts and people who have experienced loss themselves. It includes information about grief, practical exercises, details of other support services, and a special place to keep memories of your loved one.

We're now running a study to find out just how well Daybreak works. We want to see if using the app helps people manage their grief, and if they find it a helpful and easy tool to use. By taking part, you could help us understand if this type of app can provide valuable support to many more people coping with bereavement.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new smartphone app, Daybreak, for adults experiencing grief.
It aims to find out if the app helps people cope and if it's user-friendly.
Participants will use the app for four weeks over an eight-week period.
The app was developed with experts and people who have experienced loss.
Your feedback will help improve support for bereaved individuals.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and live in the UK, with a GP. You should be able to read and write in English. It's important that you lost a loved one at least three months ago and use a smartphone (either an iPhone or Android).

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. This includes if you're currently in hospital for mental health reasons, receiving psychological treatment specifically for grief, or if you're at high risk of self-harm. Also, if you have severe memory or learning difficulties, or have been diagnosed with certain complex grief conditions, this study might not be suitable for you.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you live in the UK and have a GP?
Have you lost a loved one at least three months ago?
Do you have a smartphone (iPhone or Android)?
Are you not currently receiving specialist psychological treatment for grief?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Both groups will use the Daybreak app for four weeks. One group will start using the app straight away, then have a four-week break. The other group will have the four-week break first, and then get access to the app. The study will last for eight weeks in total for everyone.

Throughout these eight weeks, you'll be asked to answer some questions about your grief-related feelings at the start, in the middle, and at the end of the study. We'll also ask you what you think about the app – how easy it was to use and if you found it helpful. The researchers will also look at how often the app was used and if you answered the questions within the app. There are no special visits or medication involved; you just use the app on your phone.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might offer you a new way to explore and manage your feelings of grief through the Daybreak app. Your feedback is really important as it will help us understand if this app could help others in the future. As with any study, there's always a small chance you might find some questions or exercises bring up difficult emotions, but the app provides resources for support. Remember, taking part is completely your choice, and you can leave the study at any time without having to give a reason.

Locations (1)

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC-CBU), University of Cambridge
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the Daybreak app?

It's a smartphone app designed to support adults who are coping with the loss of a loved one, offering information, exercises, and memory tools.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be part of the study for eight weeks in total, which includes four weeks of using the Daybreak app.

Do I have to pay to use the app?

No, if you're in the study, you will get access to the Daybreak app for free for the duration of your participation.

What if I find the app or questions upsetting?

The app provides resources for support, and you can withdraw from the study at any time if you feel it's not right for you.

How will my information be used?

Your answers will help researchers understand if the app is effective and easy to use, and all your personal information will be kept private.

How to find out more

Ido Shalev, PhD

is622@cam.ac.uk +447541030621 Official trial record

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