Glasgow-based tech firm helps top tier sports club achieve world first with mental wellness platform

A Glasgow-based tech outfit chaired by veteran businessman Nick Kuenssberg has helped a top tier sports club achieve a world first by launching its own mental wellness platform.

Sussex player Sarah Taylor is a World Cup winner with England.

Technology developed by Frog Systems links Sussex Cricket with hundreds of thousands of members and supporters across the county as well as to 182 affiliated clubs in England and Wales.

The platform, which has been developed with the support of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, allows users to share their experiences by uploading a short video and to view videos posted by others. It also directs them to relevant support services in their area.

Frog Systems, founded in 2015, has already secured high level clients across a range of sectors, including financial and professional services, higher education, housing and arts. It is now marketing its online resource to other sports clubs and governing bodies.

Chief executive Phil Worms said: “Speaking out is essential in countering the stigma associated with mental wellness issues – and video engages in a way that the written word simply cannot.

“For those struggling with life’s challenges, it is vital to know that you are not alone, that help is available and that others who have experienced similar journeys have come through them.”

Sussex Cricket chief executive Rob Andrew said: “We are extremely proud to be breaking new ground as the first sports club in the world to support its community in this way.

“With over 3,500 members, 182 affiliated cricket clubs, tens of thousands of supporters and thousands more people encountered through our community programmes and corporate partnerships, Sussex Cricket is in an incredibly strong position to make a positive difference in this aspect of people’s lives.

“We want to give people the opportunity to know that there is help and support available if they feel they want and need it.”

The mobile-optimised web platform combines high-quality videos of users’ lived experiences with “signposting of local support services, tailored to their individual circumstances, without the need for additional internet searches”.

Nick Kuenssberg, chairman of Frog Systems, winner of the 2020 FutureX Start-up Summit, said: “Mental and physical illness does not discriminate. Each one of us is touched by it at some point in our lives.

“It is estimated that nearly one-fifth of the population will need mental health support as a direct consequence of Covid-19. Yet many do not recognise the problem or, if they do, will not know where to turn to find the help they need.

“Frog ‘normalises’ the ability to speak up through its innovative use of video and makes it easier to find hope.”

Sussex player Sarah Taylor – a World Cup winner with England – said: “I know from my own experiences how helpful it is to share how we’re feeling when it comes to looking after our mental wellbeing.

“With all the challenges of the last year and this current lockdown, there couldn’t be a better time for an innovation like this. I’m proud to have shared my experiences on the platform alongside so many other people from all walks of life. I’m sure the platform is going to make a big difference.”

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