Local resident wins prestigious Women in Innovation award

Local entrepreneur Lisa Merryweather-Millard has won a prestigious Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award for her work in creating a mental health app for children and their families.

The award recognises Lisa and her co-chief executive officer, Charlotte Jenkins, for their work in developing lumin&us, a mental health app for children aged 3 to 12 and their families.

The NHS-approved app has been created with the help of parents and therapists and supports families by building and strengthening relationships, reducing conflict, and improving mental health and wellbeing through play, laughter, and connection.

Lisa, who is also a Frome Town councillor, said, “With proven clinical trials, the next app iteration due to launch by the end of the month, and a further one in spring 2025, we are well positioned to be the global solution to the children’s mental health crisis. We have exciting plans to expand the product range to serve families of teenagers in 2026 and families of babies and toddlers from birth to three years old in 2028.”

Since launching in 2016, the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards have invested over £11 million in 200 women innovators and have built a vibrant community of over 10,500 women business leaders.

Fifty pioneering women innovators have been recognised this year, spanning every nation and region of the UK. Each will receive a £75,000 grant, personalised business coaching, and access to networking, role-modelling, and training opportunities.

The awards continue to champion high-potential women business leaders from diverse backgrounds: 36% of this year’s winners are from ethnic minority groups (excluding white minorities), 22% have long-term conditions, illnesses, or disabilities, and 50% have caring or parental responsibilities.

Pictured: Lisa Merryweather-Millard, Photo credit Chris Bailey