Self Space, a pioneer in on-demand mental health services on the high street, has announced the successful closure of a €2.6 million seed funding round led by purpose-driven venture capital firm Redrice Ventures. This new funding marks a pivotal step for Self Space to meet the growing demand for mental health support by extending its same-day services throughout the UK, catering to a diverse range of mental health needs.
As the demand for mental health services continues to surge, finding timely appointments becomes increasingly challenging, leading to prolonged waits in A&E waiting rooms. Self Space aims to proactively address this issue by expanding its services, launching two new high street locations, and hiring 75 additional therapists, psychotherapists, and counselors to meet the rising demand. The company’s hybrid approach will continue to offer virtual sessions seven days a week, accompanied by the development of a tech-led psychoeducation platform to promote mental health in workplaces.
Jodie Cariss, Founder and CEO of Self Space, emphasized the mission of providing accessible and flexible therapy without waitlists, stating, “There are currently 1.2 million on the NHS waiting lists for mental health care. This is exactly the problem Self Space was set up to solve. This investment will allow us to continue expanding and get closer to our mission.”
Since its inception in 2019, Self Space has facilitated over 60,700 sessions across its four locations. The recent funding will enable the company to offer an additional 34,000 sessions in 2024 alone, contributing to its rapid growth, with a 48% increase in annual session delivery. The team has expanded from five to 100 members, including a diverse group of qualified therapists and counselors specializing in various modalities, languages, backgrounds, and specialisms.
Johnny Heilbron of Redrice Ventures commended Self Space’s unique potential to revolutionize the approach to mental health support, emphasizing the hybrid therapy model that combines in-person and online sessions with highly trained and diverse therapists.
Simultaneously, Self Space is collaborating with leading global brands, including RedBull, Omnicom, Papier, Huel, Depop, Google, and Havas, to promote mental health awareness and a proactive, preventative approach within workplaces. The funds will support initiatives such as one-to-one therapy sessions, staff training, and psychoeducation workshops, aligning with Self Space’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on mental health at a human level, beyond profitability and productivity considerations.
