Media outlet The Bulrushes reports on Shoorah’s emergence as a key mental health and wellbeing app.

The publication writes………

Mental health is just like the body, it requires us to take care of it to feel at our best.  

The World Health Organisation says: “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” 

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time, but it could become an illness if there are ongoing signs and symptoms that might cause stress and anxiety which impact day-to-day activities.  

Protecting one’s mental health should be easier than you think.  

A new UK mental health and wellbeing tech start-up, Shoorah, is providing more on-the-go wellness tools. 

Shoorah is co-founded by businessman Lorri Haines – the CEO – and Ferne McCann a popular media personality in the UK. 

Ferne is the COO of the start-up. 

The Bulrushes spoke to the couple in the UK about what inspired them to share their journey and help others.  

Public figure

Ferne is a public figure who has a huge following on social media, The Bulrushes asked her how she disconnects when it gets too much.

“I’ve learned over the years not to let it dictate my life or my emotions,” said Ferne.

“All of the really good stuff in life happens away from social media and that’s what I focus on. 
 
“So, when I think about it like that, it makes it easier for me to disconnect, be present and focus on the here and now and what’s going on in my real life right in front of me.” 

She added: “Quiet time and meditation, journaling on how I feel, exercising regularly, spending time with people that help me feel good really helps me.”  

On the advice Ferne would give to those struggling to find a way to improve their mental health, she said: “Start small – pick one thing that you know helps you feel better and make it a non-negotiable for you every day, such as walking, listening to something, cutting out something that’s not serving you.” 

App features

Of course, we want to know what Ferne’s favourite thing on the Shoorah app is and there are just so many.

“I’m constantly listening to our sleeping sounds and meditations and the advice from our experts in our Shoorah pods,” said Ferne.

“And I use the journaling tool every day, set my rituals, and do my daily gratitude.”  

On what she hopes to achieve through Shoorah, Ferne emphasises that she wants people to feel less stressed. 

“The goal of the app is to help people improve their mental health through convenient tools that fit their lives,” Ferne said. 

Difficult childhood

On the other hand, Lorri, who had a difficult childhood, tells us how it allowed him to create Shoorah.  

“I noticed I wasn’t handling situations the way I wanted to and that was affecting my relationships, work, everything really,“ said Lorri. 

“I started to unpick it all, work through my feelings, and take action to feel better about myself, calmer, and more grateful.

“Now I really want to help others feel the same and realise that their early years don’t have to define how they feel for the rest of their lives.”  

Being a businessman is a very demanding job and he tells us what he does to maintain his well-being.  

“I love a routine and having one in place which involves exercise, fresh air, journaling, eating healthily and, of course, having family time away from business,” says Lorri. 

His advice, especially for men, would be, “Talk about how you’re feeling and reach out for support.” 

“Take action – don’t just think about doing something and never do it. Whether that’s talking to someone, joining a group, trying something new, downloading an app – get started and don’t wait.”  

Finally, on the future of Shoorah, Lorri said he believes, “it will be one of the best used most advanced, and most successful wellbeing apps in the world one day if not in the not too distant future.” 

Read the full story HERE