New campaign launches as alarming statistics reveal social media pressures, online bullying and body image concerns threaten the emotional wellbeing of a generation
As Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the escalating mental health crisis affecting young children, Children’s Mental Wellbeing Coach, Lucy Cole, has embarked on a vital mission to transform children’s mental health support.
The Birmingham mother and entrepreneur is collaborating with Elstree Studios to produce “Faythe & The Fearstone,” a groundbreaking animated series designed to help combat the psychological pressures confronting today’s 7-11 year-olds. Through this innovative initiative, Lucy aims to equip children with essential emotional tools and coping strategies, empowering them to build resilience and navigate the complexities of modern childhood with confidence and strength.
With children increasingly exposed to social media-driven body image anxieties, cyberbullying and relentless online comparison at younger ages than ever before, Lucy’s project arrives at a critical moment. Recent studies highlight that children as young as seven are experiencing anxiety and depression linked to digital pressures—issues that previous generations didn’t encounter until their teenage years.
“I have coached many children and they are all navigating a minefield of challenges that didn’t exist when we were growing up,” Lucy explains. “From Instagram filters distorting their perception of beauty to anonymous online bullying that follows them home from school, young minds are under siege. Through the adventures of Faythe and her friends in Doomland, we’re creating a safe space where kids can see their struggles reflected and learn proven techniques to protect their mental health.”
“Faythe & The Fearstone” uniquely intertwines compelling storytelling with evidence-based techniques from Lucy’s extensive training including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and mindfulness—transforming entertainment into a powerful mental health intervention tool.
“We’re not just telling stories; we’re equipping children with psychological armour,” Lucy emphasises. “Each episode addresses real issues—from dealing with online negativity to building authentic self-esteem that isn’t dependent on likes or followers. Our characters are relatable and imperfect, showing kids that struggling doesn’t mean failing.”
Lucy’s vision extends far beyond traditional animation. She aims to integrate companion well-being workshops into school curricula, empowering educators to recognise early warning signs and address mental health proactively.
“We want to foster a culture of openness and support,” she states. “By instilling positive coping mechanisms and emotional literacy from an early age, we’re not just helping children survive their challenges—we’re teaching them to thrive despite them.”
Inspired by her own daughters’ experiences navigating modern childhood, Lucy created the animated series to fill a crucial gap between animated princesses and live-action teens, an age group particularly vulnerable yet underserved in mental health media.
“Together, we can give the next generation the tools to conquer their fears and realise their full potential—one episode at a time.” adds Lucy.
For more information visit the official website at https://www.faytheandthefearstone.com/