UK mental health and wellness platform Myndr has laid down its plans for UK growth and expansion having received a £300,000 backing from the government’s Innovate UK programme.

Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne and set up by North East Young Entrepreneur of the year Lizzy Hodcroft and entrepreneur Emma Reilly, founder of The Brave & The Bold clothing line, Myndr is an innovative digital learning and support platform that helps company leaders and its employees help battle common mental health issues via peer-to-peer support.

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.

Emma and Lizzy have experienced mental health issues first-hand 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.

Co-founder Lizzy Hodcroft, said: “We’re 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.

“We have already recruited new members of staff that will help us drive the service forward are they’re helping with the agile dev to get data into the system fast.”

Co-founder Emma Reilly added: “Apart 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.

“Because 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’t able to completely solve any financial issues for people, we are very proud that we can support in some way.”

Cllr Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for employment and culture, added: “One in four people in the UK will suffer some form of mental health problem each year, and the cost to that individual, their family and wider society can be colossal.

“Particularly at this most difficult of times it is great to see a Newcastle business securing investment, supporting jobs and looking to lead the way in tackling one of our greatest public health challenges.”

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. Since 2007, it has invested around £2.5 billion to help businesses across the country to innovate, with match funding from industry taking the total value of projects above £4.3 billion.

It has also helped 8,500 organisations create around 70,000 jobs and added an estimated £18 billion of value to the UK economy.