Tom Johnson, Plus-ed Founder, is changing student mental health culture with his innovative digital wellbeing platform, Plus. Supporting physical and emotional health, Plus empowers and educates students whilst providing teachers with valuable insights into their pupils’ wellbeing. Following SETsquared Exeter’s support, the platform is now in its minimum viable product stage, with plans to expand and eventually become accessible to all students.
Plus-ed Founder Tom Johnson has found a way to tackle a common problem school children face - managing their mental health. His solution? The innovative digital wellbeing platform, Plus.
Plus provides a fun and engaging way for pupils to make wellbeing a part of their day. Focusing on physical and emotional health, Plus ensures that each student is equipped with the skills to manage their feelings effectively.
Using any digital device, Plus offers a safe space for pupils to reflect on their previous day. It encourages students to take ownership of their wellbeing by providing hints and tips for the upcoming days. This innovative approach gives each student a voice and provides teachers with invaluable insight into every pupil’s mental health and how best to support them.
Tom’s journey with SETsquared Exeter began with the Entrepreneur’s Workout Programme. As he had already been testing his product for ten weeks, he was still determining whether the programme would be a good fit.
He said, “I was wrong - it was fantastic! The programme was an eye-opener, helping me grasp the intricacies of building a business, from crafting a clear mission to developing a business model canvas. There were simple yet crucial aspects I had no clue about!”
Since embarking on this journey, Plus-ed has been guided through the complex funding landscape. This support culminated in a successful pitching session with Innovate UK, where Tom secured an impressive £45,000 Fast Start grant.
Right now, Plus is in its exciting minimum viable product stage. The platform is being actively tested across eight Devon schools, empowering 200 students in years 5 & 6. Once the trial concludes, Plus-ed will eagerly seek additional funding to further its mission.
Tom envisions refining the app to be incredibly user-friendly, transforming it into an invaluable asset for students and teachers. His heartfelt aspiration is for Plus to effect meaningful change in how wellbeing is delivered in schools and become an accessible platform for all students.
“I hope Plus cultivates a community of happy children, ultimately enhancing their chances of achieving success and realising their potential.”