oVRcome is a mental health start up established by Adam Hutchinson with the goal to use technology in innovative ways to make clinically proven mental health treatment more accessible. oVRcome provides evidence based VR exposure therapy targeted for anxiety conditions such as phobia’s or social anxiety.

“Jase reflects on his own ‘blessons’, the blessings uncovered through his own harsh lessons, that eventually taught him the value of mindfulness.”

With her work background in public health Anna felt “there was so much more we could be doing than simply telling people to call 1737”.

I am a firm believer in the importance and positive influence community connection can have for our mental health and wellbeing.

Would I feel more settled, less anxious about my daily life and my daily choices if climate change and environmental degradation wasn’t a daily reality staring me back in the mirror of my daughters eyes?

We’ve learnt a lot, and as we get ready for a new year ahead, we want to share our direction with anyone who shares this kaupapa and wants to contribute.

Over the past year we set out to shine a light on what’s happening in wellbeing innovation in Aotearoa.

We found start-ups and innovators across the country. Most are early in their journey, researching and prototyping new wellbeing approaches. Many unrecognised by the publicly funded mental health sector. All are led by passionate people …

The intention of Hui Ora was to uplift, inspire, and remind those attending of the light that exists in these challenging times for wellbeing. It was developed ‘by-Māori for everyone’ and this way of working was felt deeply through the whole experience. From the first presentation I felt welcome, the talks were overwhelmingly positive, daringly honest, emotionally confronting, and inspiring to watch.

Ember Innovations is proud to be sponsoring the Provider of the Year award, recognising independent providers who are working with leaders and organisations across the country to support their people’s wellbeing.

How can we expect to transform our mental health outcomes if we’re keeping the doors closed to new voices?

Ember Innovations is working to build the pipeline of entrepreneurs, support them to success, and ensure that they’ve got the capital to scale their impact.