Overview
Harlow College partnered with Japeto to create Hart, a safeguarding-focused chatbot designed to provide students with confidential guidance on mental health, wellbeing, and safety. The initiative ran as part of an 11-week enrichment programme, known as the Chatbot Club, aimed at combining practical technology experience with meaningful social impact.
The Goal
The project set out to:
- Create an AI – powered chatbot that provides safeguarding and mental health advice for students.
- Equip students with real-world software development experience.
- Feed into Japeto’s beta programme for chatbot tools supported by Innovate UK.
Our Approach
We worked closely with Harlow College to create a structured yet experimental enrichment programme. To address safeguarding needs, we designed a chatbot named Hart, focused on wellbeing and student safety. The students contributed not only technical effort but also fresh perspectives on how young people interact with technology. Their insights made Hart a practical, student-friendly assistant, particularly valuable for those who may feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive issues face-to-face.
Collaboration & Delivery
Japeto’s team ran an 11-week programme, with regular stand-ups between Japeto mentors and students. Despite the ambitious scope, we delivered a working prototype. The weekly sessions culminated in a final presentation at the Arise Innovation Hub, attended by staff from Anglia Ruskin University and members of the local council. During the event, students showcased Hart in action, demonstrating how it could be integrated into the college’s digital ecosystem to answer safeguarding-related questions. This project aligned very closely with our passion for safe, ethical and accessible AI tools for vulnerable users.
6,147 Total Messages
3,302 Total Conversations
257 Frequently Asked Questions
Outcome
While the metrics are impressive, the qualitative impact is equally significant. Hart provides a confidential space for students to discuss sensitive issues, ensuring that those who might otherwise avoid seeking help have a safe alternative. Most of the questions Hart was asked are about general college info, followed by applications, financial support and transport. By reducing the pressure on in-person services, staff can focus on cases that require more complex interventions.
Looking ahead, we continue to explore opportunities with Harlow College and other partners to advance safe and effective AI tools in education. Student reflections underscored the impact: Some spoke about the career opportunities AI knowledge could unlock, others highlighted how Hart could support students with severe anxiety by offering a safe, confidential way to seek help.