London-based Self Space Secures €2.6 Million to Expand On-Demand Therapy Presence
Self Space, a trailblazer in on-demand mental health services on high streets worldwide, has successfully closed a €2.6 million seed funding round, spearheaded by the purpose-driven venture capital firm, Redrice Ventures. This infusion of capital positions Self Space strategically to meet the escalating demand for mental health support by broadening its array of same-day services throughout the UK, addressing a spectrum of mental health needs.
In response to the burgeoning demand, where securing mental health appointments becomes increasingly challenging, and countless hours are spent in A&E waiting rooms, Self Space advocates proactive engagement in therapy. The funding injection will facilitate the launch of two new high street locations, along with the recruitment of 75 additional therapists, psychotherapists, and counsellors. Embracing a hybrid therapy approach, Self Space will persist in offering virtual sessions seven days a week, concurrently advancing a tech-centric psychoeducation platform to promote mental well-being in workplaces.
Jodie Cariss, Founder and CEO of Self Space, articulated, “Since the inception of Self Space, our mission has been to provide straightforward access to flexible therapy, ensuring a meaningful conversation with a qualified professional seven days a week, free from waitlists, and with same-day bookings available. With 1.2 million individuals currently on NHS waiting lists for mental health care, Self Space is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. This investment empowers us to extend our reach and inch closer to our mission.”
Since its establishment in 2019, Self Space has orchestrated over 60,700 sessions across its four locations. The latest flagship site in London’s Soho, inaugurated in September, alone facilitates an additional 17,000 sessions annually. The fresh funding will catalyze Self Space to offer an additional 34,000 sessions in 2024, reflecting a 48% annual increase in session delivery.
The exponential growth of Self Space has translated into a team expansion from five to 100 professionals in four years. This diverse team of qualified therapists and counsellors, spanning various modalities, languages, backgrounds, and specialisms, reflects Self Space’s commitment to inclusivity. In 2024, the company will persist in its disruptive approach to mental health, expanding its in-person services, launching a new digital platform, and introducing culture-shifting pop-up therapy across the UK and Ibiza.
Johnny Heilbron of Redrice Ventures emphasized, “Self Space has demonstrated a unique potential to revolutionize individuals’ approach to therapy for mental health support. They have developed a hybrid therapy model, seamlessly offering both in-person and online sessions with highly trained and diverse therapists. We are honored to lead this investment and anticipate joining them on their growth trajectory.”
Simultaneously bolstering its high street presence, Self Space collaborates with global brands, urging businesses to adopt a proactive, preventative stance toward mental health. Partnering with over 150 businesses, including RedBull, Omnicom, Papier, Huel, Depop, Google, and Havas, Self Space moves beyond reactive mental health policies, redirecting focus towards tangible measures that genuinely impact mental health. The newly secured funds will enable Self Space to extend its support, reaching more businesses committed to meaningfully enhancing their teams’ mental well-being, driven by a human-centric perspective rather than mere profitability and productivity considerations.
