AnonyMind, launched in Manchester in early 2020, recently scooped the Tech For Good prize at the Prolific North Champions Awards, which recognises businesses that use technology intelligently to break down barriers within society through innovative solutions.
The organisation uses technology to tackle Manchester’s pressing issue of gambling addiction, as well as the rest of the UK, by removing the stigma associated with getting help.
Founded by a team including Andy Iddon, Christopher Metcalf, and Ryan Durkin, it stemmed from a core business which provides affordable accommodation for armed forces personnel.
They opened a private residential clinic, Leon House in Prestwich, for people struggling with the transition out of the military.
While doing this work with veterans, they realised how much of a hidden epidemic problem gambling was, and this is what ultimately led to the creation of AnonyMind.
With over 18,000 people from Greater Manchester alone believed to be experiencing problem gambling, it is a hidden epidemic on the brink of explosion.
With a huge variety of things like online casino games and sports betting so easily accessible, it’s no wonder why there has been a growth in compulsive gambling.
The AnonyMind team noticed how many people needed the support due to problem gambling but didn’t know how to access or fund it.
Working alongside clinicians, individuals with lived experience, as well as with gambling industry treatment and education experts, they purpose-built an online platform that provides treatment to people requiring support to deal with it.
The platform offers a free, easy-access and confidential place where people struggling with addiction can get the support they need from the comfort of their own home.
With an enormous desire for instant gratification, on-demand information, and convenience, they believe that integrating tech into mental healthcare is vital to keep up with this fast-paced society.
Digitalism already supports people in many aspects of life, and healthcare has started to follow this trend rapidly in recent years, with an accelerated growth since the pandemic.
AnonyMind believe that the effects of lockdowns and isolation on interactions with loved ones has led to a mental health deterioration throughout the country, and a technological solution to speed up access to help is the logical response.
Their solution provides a 24/7 access to clinicians as well as a range of self-help resources on their website.
The platform treats hundreds of people each month, attracting those who previously couldn’t see a place to come to on their own terms, at their own pace.
While initially built to offer support for those struggling with gambling addiction, they have since widened the platform to include other mental health conditions too.
Not just stopping at their online platform, AnonyMind joined forces with Gordon Moody, who opened a new Manchester service in association with their clinic at Leon House.
The aim here is to provide residential treatment for those most severely impacted by gambling harm.
By addressing a very real problem with an easily accessible solution, this award-winning Manchester organisation is removing barriers to people who need vital support.
Not keen to stop here, AnonyMind also aims to help the NHS by reducing its waiting lists and helping people get targeted support for addictions quicker.
They are also on a mission to work with businesses to find ways that employees struggling with addiction can reach out to their platform, bypassing going to managers or bosses about such sensitive issues.
