“We’re proud to be building a queer-led platform that centres care and dignity”
BY VEE WILSON, IMAGE PROVIDED BY VODA
The mental health app designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ people has raised £650,000 in funding to expand its therapist-led support services, as hate crimes, transphobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric escalate across the UK.
Voda, an award-winning London-based app built by and for LGBTQIA+ communities, offers trauma-informed, self-guided mental health support. Co-created by seven queer psychotherapists and psychologists of diverse backgrounds, the app helps users navigate issues such as coming out, gender dysphoria, hate speech, and discrimination.
Chris Sheridan, Voda’s lead therapist, said the need for affirming care has never been greater. “Our community, particularly trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people, are not struggling because they’re unwilling to seek help. They’re struggling because the system is increasingly hostile to them.”
At the moment, Voda supports more than 35,000 users worldwide, including a growing number of UK users. At a time when traditional services fall short, the app offers accessible tools for building self-worth, processing difficult emotions, and fostering emotional well-being. With the new funding, the app will develop additional content with LGBTQIA+ clinicians, expand its reach, and introduce community-led features.
Voda has raised this money amid mounting concern over the rollback of LGBTQIA+ rights in the UK, including the dismantling of NHS inclusion initiatives and increasing political attacks on trans and non-binary people.
Voda’s CEO and co-founder Jaron Soh added: “In a time where LGBTQIA+ rights are being rolled back and anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments are on the rise, we’re proud to be building a queer-led platform that centres care and dignity. This funding will give us the ability to support thousands more LGBTQIA+ people across the UK with the mental health support they deserve.”
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