We’re taking a proactive approach to mental health.
Why did we create AnimaSelf?
When I was 14 I often spent my breaks at school trying to avoid my peers. I was a victim of bullying and I buried my pain because I saw my feelings as a weakness. I did not start receiving therapy for six years.
As a result of my personal experience, mental health has always been an area of interest for me. Throughout medical school, I was involved in leadership positions within Imperial College Psychiatry Society including Society President. During my tenure, I worked closely with pan-London and national psychiatry societies alongside the Royal College of Psychiatry UK to increase the profile and reduce the stigma associated with psychiatry as a medical profession.
But mental illness is only becoming more common, and despite fighting for the cause of mental health, on starting to work as a doctor it became more evident to me than ever that mental health care today is difficult to access, stigmatised, and non-inclusive. More than that, it's reactive. Appropriate support often only starts after the diagnosis of a significant mental health disorder, with a lack of focus placed on early detection and prevention.
That's why we've built AnimaSelf, a digital mental health app where we are working to bring about change. AnimaSelf is purpose-driven, and we measure ourselves against the key Sustainable Development Goal to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages”.
DR. FRANK THORNTON-WOOD, FOUNDER
Our journey so far
In 2022, AnimaSelf participated in the LSE Generate Accelerator Programme, an intense 12-week programme with the premise of finding ten of the most ambitious start-ups in the LSE ecosystem. They supported AnimaSelf through a combination of group workshops and 1-to-1 support sessions delivered by incredible entrepreneurs-in-residence, experts, and mentors. The programme culminated with both an in-person and online Demo Day where each team pitched their business live to hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, and LSE associates.
It was a privilege to have been a part of such an inspiring group of founders and we will always be grateful for the tireless energy and support provided by the LSE Generate team. I feel like the programme really challenged us to rebuild our company approach from the ground up with a process of continuous testing and iteration.
“I believe that AnimaSelf’s team and app have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing a safe and supportive space for them to explore their thoughts and emotions. I am excited to see how AnimaSelf will continue to develop and grow, and I believe that it has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many people.”
RUBEN PORTZ, GROWTH ADVISOR AT LSE GENERATE
Our team
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Dr. Frank Thornton-Wood
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Frank is a doctor for the NHS with a background in marketing and business strategy. He’s been known to shed a tear over the occasional romcom.
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Deniss Zerkalijs
ENGINEERING LEAD
Deniss’s experience lies in neurological engineering and software development. He is obsessed with nature, good vibes, and protein bars.
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Nathalie Eichler
CREATIVE LEAD
Nathalie is a digital designer with a keen interest in illustration and animation. She can’t resist sour skittles and tomato juice.
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Tiger Chen
PRODUCT LEAD
Tiger is a product designer with a history in marketing and a passion for kumara fries. Her Spotify Wrapped contained a lot of Taylor Swift.
