In a significant step forward for mental health accessibility, London-based Self Space has secured €2.6 million in seed funding, led by Redrice Ventures, a purpose-driven VC. This infusion of capital is set to transform the landscape of mental health services in the UK, emphasizing the importance of immediate access to support. As one of the world’s first on-demand mental health services on the high street, Self Space is poised to meet the growing need for accessible mental health care.
The mental health sector has been under immense pressure, with appointment availability dwindling and A&E waiting rooms becoming overwhelmed. Self Space offers a proactive solution, inviting individuals to engage in therapy with ease. The new funding will enable the launch of two additional high street locations and the hiring of 75 therapists, psychotherapists, and counsellors, significantly enhancing their capacity to provide support. Furthermore, Self Space is committed to a hybrid approach, combining the convenience of virtual sessions available seven days a week with the development of a tech-led psychoeducation platform aimed at fostering mentally healthy workplaces.
Jodie Cariss, the Founder and CEO of Self Space, emphasizes the company’s mission to offer straightforward, flexible therapy, free from waitlists and with same-day booking options. With 1.2 million people currently on NHS waiting lists for mental health care, Self Space’s expansion is timely and much needed. The new investment will catalyze their growth, bringing them closer to their mission of providing accessible mental health care.
Since its inception in 2019, Self Space has conducted over 60,700 sessions across four locations, demonstrating a profound impact on community mental health. The opening of their largest site in London’s Soho has significantly increased their session capacity, and the new funding will further boost their ability to offer an additional 34,000 sessions in 2024.
The company’s growth is not only in numbers but also in diversity and expertise. The team has expanded from five to 100 professionals, encompassing a wide range of specializations, languages, and backgrounds. In 2024, Self Space aims to continue its disruptive approach to mental health, including culture-shifting pop-up therapy across the UK and Ibiza, expanding in-person services, and launching a new digital platform.
Johnny Heilbron from Redrice Ventures praises Self Space for its potential to revolutionize individual approaches to therapy and mental health support. The hybrid model of in-person and online therapy sessions, provided by a diverse team of highly trained therapists, underlines the innovative approach Self Space is taking in the mental health sector.
Alongside expanding its high street presence, Self Space is actively working with leading global brands to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Partnering with over 150 businesses, including RedBull, Omnicom, Papier, Huel, Depop, Google, and Havas, Self Space is shifting the focus from reactive policies to proactive, tangible measures that genuinely impact mental health at a human level.
The new funding will bolster Self Space’s efforts to provide one-to-one therapy sessions, staff training, and psychoeducation workshops, reaching more businesses committed to meaningful mental health support. This move is not just about improving profitability and productivity; it’s about making a substantial impact on individual lives.
