The EmoTee Concept
We are often told that the key to mental wellbeing is to "open up" and talk about our feelings. But for a child, knowing how to start that conversation is a significant challenge.
EmoTee is a physical tool designed to solve this problem. By using our removable "Feelings Patches," children have the way to start the conversation and show others how they are feeling inside, without needing to find the right words first.
The Founding Five
We are launching our pilot with these five core emotions. Each one has been carefully chosen to represent the primary feelings children navigate daily. By giving these feelings a name and a physical place on their T-shirt, children learn that every emotion is valid and manageable.
Very Happy
This patch helps children celebrate and share those moments of high energy and pure joy with everyone around them.
Happy
Identifying a positive, steady mood is a vital step in helping a child navigate their day with confidence and gratitude.
Meh
Choosing this patch provides a clear signal when a child is feeling indifferent or "just okay" and might need a gentle check-in to see why.
Sad
This tool allows children to externalise sadness, making a heavy feeling much easier to acknowledge and talk about with others.
Very Sad
By showing when they are deeply upset, children can share their internal world and get the immediate comfort they need without having to speak.
The Science
EmoTee applies a powerful principle called Affect Labelling. It is the idea that identifying and naming a feeling actually changes how the brain responds to it.
When a child chooses a patch and places it on their T-shirt, they are doing something incredible for their brain. This physical act of labelling an emotion sends a signal to the amygdala—the brain’s "alarm centre"—that it is time to quieten down. By naming the feeling, they have essentially calmed their brain, moving from a place of "fight or flight" into a state where they can think more clearly.
Beyond the individual, the patch acts as a Visual Cue. It removes the pressure on the child to initiate a difficult discussion. For those around them, the patch is a clear, non-verbal sign that opens the door for a supportive check-in, allowing for more empathy and less guesswork.
Every time a child uses a patch, they are strengthening their Neuroplasticity. They are building the neural pathways needed to manage emotions and start vital conversations throughout their lives.
The Pilot Project
EmoTee Ltd was awarded a grant to develop this project as a tool for children’s mental health. We are currently in our pilot phase, working closely with parents, educators, and wellbeing experts to refine how the patches are used in real-world settings.
We are gathering all feedback during this stage as we hope to expand the project into schools and get these tools to children all across the UK. It is our mission to ensure that every child has the support they need to start the conversation.