The past few months have been nothing short of inspiring for all of us at UKind Therapy CIC. From national recognition to incredible events and new members joining our team, we’ve had so many reasons to celebrate — and we’re excited to share some of the highlights with you.
Start Up Awards for Yorkshire, Humber & the North East
As regional winners for Start Up Awards for Yorkshire, Humber & the North East, we headed to Ideas Fest for the national finals. We didn’t take home the top prize this time, but we did win what matters: powerful connections, fresh collaborations, podcast invites and a bigger platform for accessible, trauma-informed mental health. Ideas Fest reminded us that UKind Therapy isn’t just helping individuals—it’s shaping the wider wellbeing conversation across the UK.
Tech for Good Award at the Leeds Digital Awards
We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Tech for Good Award at the Leeds Digital Awards. Recognised alongside incredible finalists, we ultimately lost to the deserving winners, Little Journey – and we’re proud of that. The shortlist fuels our mission to use VR and digital tools to make trauma therapy more accessible and inclusive.
Recognised by the Elite Business Awards
As if that wasn’t enough, UKind Therapy has also been recognised in the Elite Business Awards. This acknowledgment reflects the hard work, commitment, and passion that every member of our team and volunteer base puts into supporting our mission.
For us, this isn’t just about awards — it’s about knowing that the work we do resonates with people, and that our mission to build stronger, healthier communities is being noticed.
The October Conference – A Milestone Moment
And then came Friday 3rd October, which will remain one of the proudest moments in our journey so far.
Our first ever conference, held at Nexus Leeds as part of the Leeds Digital Festival, and Domestic Abuse Awareness month, was more than just an event — it was a milestone. It was the day UKind Therapy CIC stepped firmly into Phase 2 of UKind XR, bringing together survivor stories, frontline services, researchers, and innovators to move from talk into action.
The day was inspiring, emotional, and above all, powerful. Together, we proved that when survivors lead and services stand alongside them, we can rewrite, rebuild, and rise.
We are especially grateful to:
- Leeds Digital – for including us in the festival and giving our conference such a strong platform.
- Nexus Leeds – for hosting us so brilliantly, with special thanks to Rowan Grant for her ongoing support (and yes, for the great food too!).
- Every survivor who spoke and shared their experiences with courage, especially Hina Qursam, whose contribution makes us proud every single day.
- Our partners who made the day alive and practical: Red Flags Interactive (Lise Kaye Bell) and Soundproofbox, whose realistic performance was so powerful it startled Nexus staff into thinking a real incident was unfolding; Virtual Decisions (VR knife awareness); and Suffia Hussain, Melody Reed and Musicbox for bringing music to the space.
- Our frontline champions: New Beginnings Peer Support (Lindsay Oliver), Staying Put (Yasmin Khan), and Reflections – your collaboration ensures lived experience is at the heart of the software we build.
- Heather W. – for opening our afternoon session and congratulations on your new role as Director for the Violence Reduction Partnership.
- The Community Leaders West Yorkshire (CLWY), especially Deborah Jones for leadership and delivering Positive Deviants, Zola Bromley for wrangling decks and prep, and Professor Shona Bettany and Soumya Shetty (AFHEA) for bringing a research lens that keeps us accountable.
- And finally, every attendee, every speaker, and every supporter who gave up their day to stand with us. You are the reason this moment was possible.
The feedback has been incredible, and the atmosphere of unity and determination has left us more energised than ever. This conference wasn’t just an event — it was the first big step into Phase 2. With your continued support, Phase 3 will be where we prepare to launch. These are truly exciting times, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with you.
Welcoming Carina to the Team
We’re also delighted to welcome Carina, our newest volunteer, to the UKind Therapy family. Volunteers bring energy, skills, and perspectives that help us grow, and we can’t wait to see the impact Carina will make as part of our community.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
At UKind Therapy CIC, our strength lies in our community — in the survivors, supporters, professionals, and partners who walk alongside us.
The October conference showed us what’s possible when we come together. We’ve taken that first big step into Phase 2, and with your continued support, we’ll move into Phase 3 with purpose, passion, and the knowledge that we are building something truly transformative.
Here’s to rewriting, rebuilding, and rising — together.