Limbic partners with Black Minds Matter U.K.

London, U.K. 21 January 2021: Digital therapy assistant Limbic has today partnered with mental health charity Black Minds Matter. 

The partnership will see Black Minds Matter U.K.  roll out Limbic’s Self-Care platform to its community of 2600 people, ensuring they receive access to instant support while waiting for treatment or whilst currently accessing treatment. 

Black Minds Matter U.K. provides free therapy sessions to Black individuals and families across the UK. Founded in June 2020 during the height of the pandemic and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter protests, the charity saw a surge in demand for their services and had to subsequently close their waitlist. 

To date, the charity has already been able to help over half of their waiting list access therapy and 1000 additional people will access within 5 months. In addition, the charity is fundraising to support the remaining people on their waitlist, to ensure they are supported in the meantime. 

Demand for talk therapy has significantly increased over the last twelve months. The pandemic has caused a parallel outbreak of anxiety and depression*, which the Royal College of Psychiatrists* describes as a ‘tsunami of mental illness.’  

Through its app, Limbic Self-Care will enable patients to log their thoughts and feelings, and will also provide CBT exercises through an AI chatbot, helping them self-manage while they wait for treatment. By offering instant 24/7 support, Limbic’s Self-Care platform aims to keep patients engaged, reducing the risk of drop-offs, Did-Not-Attends (DNAs) and lapses and signposting risk patients to emergency services when necessary. 

Furthermore, the wider Limbic software forwards the data on to clinicians, who are able to make quicker and more accurate assessments, diagnosis and treatment pathways once patients start treatment. 

Ross Harper, CEO and Founder of Limbic commented:

“The need for quicker access to mental healthcare has never been more important. January is a particularly challenging time in ordinary circumstances, but coupled with the uncertainties around the pandemic, our mental health is taking a toll on us nationally. 

“While our health services are diverting resources to cope with COVID-19, we’re also facing a national mental healthcare crisis. Digital health unquestionably needs to play a role in alleviating the pressure on our healthcare system and providing mental health support to those who need it urgently. 

“Furthermore, we know the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected BAME communities.* This has a direct correlation to mental health, reinforcing the need to drive equality of service access in mental healthcare. Our partnership with Black Minds Matter will deliver instant support to patients on their waiting list to hopefully deliver better patient outcomes. 

Agnes Mwakatuma, Founder of Black Minds Matter UK -

"While we are proud to say we are halfway through our waiting list, we still have 1500 people who are in need of support. Black Minds Matter UK have had unbelievably high sign-ups since we launched, and Black people are still disproportionately affected by mental health issues, in addition to the guidance they are currently offered. 

"We are always trying to cater for those who need support, and it's great to have a partner like Limbic who can help us to help others. We hope that this partnership allows people to access the support they need before, during or after therapy and can make a real impact in their life."

Limbic’s digital products and AI supports patients and clinicians throughout talk therapy and are used in 4 IAPT services to help approximately 30,000 patients a year.