‘Techies in Residence’ project, uHub, launches first of kind mental health app

1 Apr 2019

Following successful completion of the Techies in Residence programme, uHub Therapy Centre in Bangor is launching a new mental health website to help those at risk and reduce pressure on statutory services.

Techies in Residence, a former Building Change Trust programme, now managed by the Community Foundation and funded by Comic Relief, matches local charities and social enterprises with digital technology partners. Participants work together to build new digital products that have direct benefit for people and communities in Northern Ireland.

The uHub app focuses on the end user and aims to help prevent suicide, help reduce pressure on statutory services and promote links between the user and their local community and voluntary organisation. It has recently been shortlisted for two prestigious Northern Ireland tech awards in recognition of its innovative approach to tackling rising mental health issues.

Cara Swanston from uHub explained, “Whether you or someone you know is feeling down, you can log into the website and you will be supported to navigate through articles, online resources and videos, depending on need and whether immediate intervention is required.
Paul Braithwaite, the Community Foundation’s Head of Innovation & Voice said:

“It’s fantastic to see the uHub project come to fruition after more than a year of really intensive work and collaboration between the uHub team and their technology partners Damgeo. It’s a perfect example of how the social know-how of the voluntary/community sector can be combined with the digital skills of the technology industry to drive innovation for the benefit people and communities in Northern Ireland. We are really looking forward to hearing how the platform develops and scales up over the coming months to support people facing mental health challenges.”

Cara Swanston concluded, “We’ve been delighted with the support we gained by taking part in Techies in Residence. With the working prototype now ready to unveil at this launch event, we will be consulting with voluntary and community sector organisations from all over Northern Ireland and considering their feedback, ideas and suggestions to help inform and lead the next stage of development.

“The launch event will be hosted by the Mayor of North Down and Ards Councillor Richard Smart on 4th April 2019, from 10am to 12pm in Bangor Town Hall.”