Heyr, an award-winning digital health company

Our AI-powered mental health app was developed to support young adults (Gen Z) to overcome stigma, prevent mental ill-health, and develop resilience. As a challenger brand, we take a progressive stance to support and promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, in contrast to some traditional mental health apps. We combine clinically validated frameworks, customisable tracking measures, and evidence-based evaluations to collect behavioural and psychological data. Our award-winning team with 60+ years of combined expertise in clinical psychology, research, and machine learning. Advisors from Meta, Spotify, and NHS.

Our research work in Africa

Since our inception, the team has successfully conducted research across the UK and Africa (Tanzania). With a study involving 40 young adults across two cohorts in two cities over four weeks, we have witnessed significant improvements in mental well-being outcomes. Participants reported enhanced motivation, confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Moreover, Heyr app has been recognised as a cost-effective solution to improve accessibility, scalability, and affordability in Tanzania, with 88% of participants believing it can help break down mental health stigma.

In terms of recognition and outreach, our research work has garnered local and international attention. It has been featured in TEDx Tanzania, local radio stations, and public health discussions in East Africa. These platforms have allowed us to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate for change on a broader scale.

Zimbabwe, akin to many Sub-Saharan African nations, faces substantial challenges in mental healthcare provision. With only two psychiatric hospitals and a single psychiatrist per million people, access to mental health services remains severely limited. This scarcity disproportionately affects the majority of the country's 14 million inhabitants, particularly the 67.8% residing in rural areas. The concentration of mental health resources in urban centres and major hospitals underscores the urgent need to integrate mental health care at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level.

Our collaboration with Ndinewe Youth Mental Health Foundation

In our efforts to address these challenges, Heyr app is proud to announce a collaboration with the Ndinewe Youth Mental Health Foundation. Led by Tanatswa Chikaura, the foundation is a youth-led organisation dedicated to advancing mental health and well-being in Zimbabwean communities through research, education, advocacy, and sustainable interventions.

Leveraging over 60 years of combined experience in digital health, research, and technology, Heyr app offers a unique approach to mental wellness. Our platform combines evidence-based therapies with rewards, empowering young adults to tackle negative thoughts and behaviours through daily check-ins.

We share a common goal with Ndinewe Foundation to make a positive impact on Zimbabwe's mental health landscape. Recognising mental health as both an individual and collective global issue, we focus on empowering young Zimbabweans to take control of their mental well-being and enhance the lives of individuals affected by mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

In addition to our partnership with Ndinewe Foundation, we are also in discussions with two universities about potential collaborations. These partnerships aim to further enhance our research efforts and strengthen our impact on mental health in Zimbabwe.

Join us in our Mission

Together with Ndinewe Foundation and our university partners, we're on a mission to provide mental health education and effective interventions for the benefit of Zimbabwean communities. We invite you to join us in a 4-week research study utilising the Heyr app to evaluate its impact on immediate and intermediate mental health outcomes. This project will be backed and funded by the Z Zurich Foundation, with whom we have a strong partnership.

We are excited about the potential impact of our work in Zimbabwe and beyond. If you're interested in supporting our mission, participating in our research, or learning more about our collaborations, please reach out to us. Together, we can make mental health a priority and create positive change in communities across Africa.