Dave is a free, private calming companion app you can signpost with confidence — no cost to your client, no account, and nothing leaves their device. Already signposted by NHS social prescribing teams and used by therapists alongside sessions.
Dave organises well-established self-regulation techniques behind four feeling-led doors, wrapped in warm, non-clinical language and a friendly character. It was designed and built by Lisa Gills — late diagnosed, and navigating a mental health crisis of their own at the time — because no single place held all of these tools together.
Big buttons, soft colours, minimal reading, never more than a tap or two from a tool. The interface assumes reduced executive function and works anyway — including a brain dump whose organiser sets priorities by asking simple questions, removing decision fatigue.
For acute overwhelm — regulation through the body.
Tools: Breathe with Dave · 5-4-3-2-1 grounding · Fidget · TIPP skills · Calming audio
For a full head — expression without pressure.
Tools: Journal with mood check-in · Voice notes · Brain dump with question-led prioritising
For low days — reconnecting with what went well.
Tools: Wins and reminders of good moments that really happened
For steadiness — a personal store of comfort.
Tools: Memories and pictures that make them smile, kept exactly where they left them
Everything a client writes, says or records stays on their phone. There is no account, no cloud storage, no analytics profile and no data sharing — the app has nothing to sell and nothing to breach.
Dave is free and will stay free: no paywalls, no ads, no locked features. The app is community-supported; an optional support link sits quietly in Settings only, opening an external page — there are no in-app payments and no prompts to donate.
All language in the app is plain, warm and judgement-free, written to be readable mid-distress. Nothing is gamified against the user: no streaks, no guilt, nothing taken away after time off.
The whole hand-over fits comfortably in fifteen minutes, and the middle step is the one that matters most.
App Store or Google Play, search "Dave calming companion". No sign-up means no barrier: the app works the moment it opens. Suggest it goes on the home screen, where a struggling thumb can find it.
Behind the shield button next to SOS: warning signs, what helps, and loved ones' numbers. Completing it in the appointment means it exists before it's needed — and you'll have good suggestions for the "what helps" list. Completing it also unlocks the Pause widget, a small built-in thank-you.
Play one calming audio or try one breathing pattern together. One familiar tool, used every time, beats ten unexplored ones — the goal is that on a hard day, their hands already know the way.
"Dave is a star and a revelation. It provides tools I never knew I needed but are a huge help... I am well grateful for the creation of this app."
"Great tool for ADHDers. I am so much more focused when I'm regulated, and this app is great for quick and easy regulation tools."
The client-facing introduction page
A gentle tour and set-up guide
Happy to complete QA documentation for your service, walk your team through the app, or hear what your clients need next. lisa@harnessthespark.com