Meet the CEO Linsey Lunny’s Mission to Transform Mental Health Support for Young People

At first glance, Hidden Strength (HS) might seem like a large-scale operation, but as CEO Linsey Lunny explains, that’s one of the biggest misconceptions. In reality, Hidden Strength is a passion project, self-funded by the CEO herself, and supported by a small, dedicated team who share her heartfelt vision.?

Linsey’s story reveals a much more personal perspective behind the platform, stemming from her own first-hand experiences with bullying and anorexia during her teenage years. Diagnosed at 17, she reflects on how the system ultimately wasn’t what helped her to recover from her condition, accrediting her recovery to her mother. Noting, ‘I got myself back on my feet, mainly thanks to the support of my mum.’?

While she didn’t realize it at the time, these personal experiences with the mental health system planted the initial seeds for Hidden Strength’s future mission. As Linsey explains, young people are hesitant to seek help the traditional way, ‘We’re still expecting young people to reach out, pick up the telephone, and ask for help.’ Pointing out that in 2024, ‘Young people don’t communicate like that. They prefer to DM on socials.’ These combined realizations are what inspired Linsey to bridge the gap in young people's access to mental health support.??

Alongside encouragement from her family, Linsey’s self-proclaimed stubbornness has kept driving her forward to pursue her mission in ensuring that all young people can access free mental health support with qualified therapists. Now, since the launch of the app, Linsey can tangibly see the valuable support that it is providing to teenagers and young people who need it and feels that in a way, this is helping in healing a part of her younger self.?

For the future of the app, Linsey hopes to make therapy sessions available earlier in the day, starting as early as 3pm, as well as to introduce the HS Life Ring, which she describes will be a 'Crisis triage contact point.' Through which, HS's qualified team of therapists will be available 24/7 to help deescalate young people in crisis, guaranteeing that professional support is available when they need it most.?

Hidden Strength is more than a business, having recently achieved charity status, an accomplishment that Linsey holds close to her heart. She emphasizes, "For me, it's about creating a legacy, something that my children will look at and be proud of." Continuing, she reveals that she has big aspirations for the future of The Hidden Strength Foundation and plans to place a large portion of directional power in the hands of young people, through the now established HS Youth Advisory Board.?

Linsey’s passion for helping young people is at the heart of this brand and as the app continues to be offer free, accessible support; The Hidden Strength Foundation will also be working behind the scenes on initiatives to help shift the narrative on mental health.