# LifeBuoy > Mental health support app for young people managing suicidal thoughts. (iPhone/iPad app by Black Dog Institute.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifebuoy/id1483707950 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Black Dog Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/336288119) - Category: Health & Fitness - Price: Free - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 83 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2020-05-05 - Data updated: 2026-08-20 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifebuoy/id1483707950/reviews.md ## What is LifeBuoy? LifeBuoy is only accessible to people taking part in a study conducted by the Black Dog Institute. LifeBuoy is an app that aims to help young people develop strategies and problem-solving skills to manage their suicidal thoughts. The app has been designed by experts in mental health and suicide prevention. There are seven modules to move through, each taking approximately 3-7 minutes to complete. Once a module is complete, it will unlock and ‘light up’ a new module to move to. ## Key features - Suicidal thought management strategies - Problem-solving skill development - Expert-designed mental health modules - Sequential module unlocking - Short, focused learning sessions ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifebuoy/id1483707950/reviews.md ### 4/5 — A couple bugs but good *2020-06-02* The meditation section has a bug on mindfulness island - the app needs a mechanism to keep your phone open and unlocked while you meditate otherwise you find yourself disengaging with it to tap your screen to keep it awake. There is also a bug with the mood journal thing - it takes me to put in an emotion and then freezes the app completely. I have to close it and reopen the app and have only successfully logged a mood once because I manually entered it. Other than this the app is really helpful and I think once the bugs are handled it will be very good. Especially the guided meditation offered and the toolbox. **Developer response:** Hi Tara, background audio functionality is already in the works and we're hoping to add this in one of the next updates. As for the mood gauge bug, we haven't come across this before and can't seem to reproduce this on any of our devices. If you wouldn't mind getting in touch with us at pts@blackdog.org.au and providing any more details you can, it would help immensely in getting it sorted! Thanks,The LifeBuoy Team ### 3/5 — Not enough Zodiac signs *2020-05-12* In the quiz section, the question of zodiac sign lacks 2 signs including Aries and Taurus. Other than that sofar so good **Developer response:** Hi Soleil1399, Thanks for pointing this out, this issue is already on our radar and will be rectified in the next update! Thanks, The LifeBuoy Team ## Frequently asked questions about LifeBuoy ### Who can access LifeBuoy? LifeBuoy is exclusively available to individuals participating in a study conducted by the Black Dog Institute. Access is restricted to study participants. ### What is the primary purpose of LifeBuoy? LifeBuoy is designed to help young people build strategies and problem-solving skills to manage suicidal thoughts. It was developed by mental health and suicide prevention experts. ### How are the modules in LifeBuoy structured? The app features seven distinct modules, each taking approximately 3-7 minutes to complete. Completing one module unlocks the next, creating a guided progression. ### Is LifeBuoy available on all devices? LifeBuoy is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for Apple's mobile operating system. ### What is the age rating for LifeBuoy? LifeBuoy has an age rating of 12+, indicating it is suitable for users aged 12 and above. ### When was LifeBuoy last updated? The latest version of LifeBuoy, 1.14.7, was last updated on August 8, 2022. The app was initially released on May 5, 2020. ### Does LifeBuoy have ads? No, LifeBuoy does not contain advertisements. As a free application, it focuses on providing support without interruptions. ### Are there any in-app purchases in LifeBuoy? No, LifeBuoy does not feature any in-app purchases. The app is completely free to use for eligible participants. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.15.2 — 2026-07-01 Bug Fixes ### 1.15.1 — 2026-03-31 Bugfix in the onboarding flow. ### 1.15.0 — 2026-02-25 Improved performance and stability ### 1.14.9 — 2024-10-04 We've integrated with the research platform Tirohia to support further research into the mental health benefits Life Buoy may offer for youth in Australia and New Zealand. This update also includes important maintenance work, such as updating dependencies, to ensure a smoother and more secure experience. Keep looking after your wellbeing with these new features! ### 1.14.8 — 2024-10-02 Minor fixes ## Apps similar to LifeBuoy | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Beep Test Watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beep-test-watch/id1556134358) | 3.0 (4) | $1.99 | Health & Fitness | | [Ally – Therapy Companion](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ally-therapy-companion/id1523401355) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Is S/O Suicidal?](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/is-so-suicidal/id673004535) | — | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Calm Care](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calm-care/id1462687102) | — | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Operation Life](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/operation-life/id1030670665) | — | Free | Health & Fitness | | [R U Suicidal?](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/r-u-suicidal/id592320411) | — | Free | Health & Fitness | ## More apps by Black Dog Institute - [HeadGear](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/headgear/id1160049475) - [Anchored](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchored/id1482352205) - [ClearlyMe®](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearlyme/id1550213032) - [Build Back Better](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-back-better/id1562614575) - [Support Base](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/support-base/id1581347935) All apps by Black Dog Institute: https://appshunter.io/developer/336288119 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*