A mental health app has set up plans for growth after receiving backing from the Government鈥檚 Innovate 海角视频 programme.
Newcastle鈥檚 Myndr - which was set up by entrepreneurs Lizzy Hodcroft and entrepreneur Emma Reilly - has received a 拢300,000 grant from the Innovate 海角视频 Smart Grants programme.
The app is a digital learning and support platform that helps company leaders and its employees help deal with common mental health issues via peer-to-peer support.
Working with the Tyneside web development and app agency Komodo, Myndr will now launch its AI-assisted app in the next 12 months, further develop its online technology, invest in new staff and strike up partnerships with like-minded businesses.
Last month the company was crowned the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Startup of the Year in the North East and is currently trialling its product with social housing firm Home Group.
Both of the founders have experienced mental health issues and have spoken openly about their struggles with depression, anxiety and addiction, as well as their frustrations with the lack of options for mental health care.
Myndr aims to create an anonymous platform that allows those suffering from common mental health issues to seek help from others who have experienced similar problems.
Ms Hodcroft, who appeared on Dragons Den with her first company The Sweet Beet, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly honoured and proud to have received this grant. Most of the funds will be used towards further development and content for the app as we have high expectations to deliver a platform that is contextually smart as well as impactful with practical, actionable steps and content.
鈥淲e have already recruited new members of staff that will help us drive the service forward. They鈥檙e helping with the agile dev to get data into the system fast.
鈥淲e have also recently recruited a new COO and we鈥檙e reaching out to experienced content writers to help us deliver insightful personal stories to connect with our audience.鈥
Ms Reilly added: 鈥淎part from the obvious benefit to our users in terms of support and action plans for their mental health, we are also very proud that we can offer a helping hand to many that have found themselves without a job or income during this time.
鈥淏ecause of the Innovate grant and its timing, we have been able to reach out to professionals, freelancers, doctors, peers and so many others to help to provide Myndr with courses, content and suggestions and in turn pay these amazing individuals for their service. Although we aren鈥檛 able to completely solve any financial issues for people, we are very proud that we can support in some way.鈥
鈥淥ur service is for anyone. But I do personally feel that those feeling as though they have lost control and connection during this lockdown will find our tools most useful.
鈥淭he way Myndr is made with empowering individuals in mind means that we can support them in identifying issues, exploring different ways they may solve these problems and guide them to choose what solutions they feel will work best for them to move into a plan of action.鈥
