Because health means more than just physical wellbeing

Because health means more than just physical wellbeing

What makes our programme unique

Our wellbeing programme doesn’t make you choose between 1-to-1 counselling, which can leave you feeling unsupported between sessions, and online tools, which can feel insufficiently personalised.

Instead, we combine the best of both worlds. We do this because we firmly believe that the best outcomes are achieved when people have someone human to talk to about their individual problems – and when they are given the chance to consolidate their feelings in their own time, via a range of interactive digital tools.

That’s why our online services, which are available as an app, can be accessed whenever you need – before sessions, in between sessions, and for a full 12 months following your period of counselling. It doesn’t have to be either-or. Our wellbeing programme leaves you feeling connected, 100% of the time.

In partnership with

Navigate life’s ups and downs with the help of our professional counsellors

The programme specialises in short-term, goal-focused counselling, designed to help you get to the root of your problem, develop coping strategies, and get back to doing what you really care about – living your life.

Their clinical counsellors all hold Postgraduate Diplomas in Counselling, have over 5 years’ counselling experience, and are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or equivalent professional body.

Your care your way

We know everyone is different, so we have designed a programme that allows you to tailor your care to your needs.

  • Total Wellbeing Assessments: keep track of your progress and motivate positive lifestyle change with the help of our data-driven recommendations. We will give you personalised tips and resources which help you understand your health risks, empowering you to make informed decisions across all four pillars of total wellbeing – mental, physical, social & financial.
  • Online Clinical Programmes (CareNow): choose your own care path and learn in your own way. Based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, our specialised self-help resources include interactive exercises, podcasts, meditation and videos.
  • Digital Wellbeing Library: this is our curated library of wellness resources. It includes articles, podcasts, infographics and toolkits with recommendations based on your own particular health risks.
TELUS Health One App


How it works

Sign Up and Pay Online

Complete the registration form and make payment online

Access Digital Services

We will contact you to book your counselling sessions

Book Counselling Sessions

We will contact you to book your counselling sessions


Have a question?

  • Counselling provides you with a safe and confidential space to talk to a trained professional about whatever is bothering you. Your counsellor will not tell you what to do, or prescribe medication. Instead, they will help you to explore your thoughts and feelings. They might also wish to discuss your behaviours – especially those you are unhappy with, but which you feel you cannot control. The purpose of counselling is to help you find your own solutions to your problems. It will empower you to reframe obstacles which have been holding you back, so that you can make positive changes in your life.

  • Sometimes it can feel hard to ‘admit’ to yourself that you need to see a counsellor. But, whilst feelings of anxiety, sadness or stress are normal human emotions, at times they can take on a life of their own, leaving you feeling out of control. At such times, it is important to talk to someone about what you are experiencing.

    Difficult feelings can arise due to any number of reasons, including pressures in the workplace, money worries, turbulent relationships, a bereavement, or starting (or losing!) a job. Occasionally, we can feel under strain for reasons which are not obvious – because of something we are unable to identify on our own. Though it is not always possible to immediately tell what has caused us to feel the way we do, one thing is certain: minimising, dismissing or repressing feelings is almost guaranteed to make them worse.

    Just as with physical ailments, no one should be expected to ‘cure’ themselves of mental distress. A counsellor is there to help you navigate your problem, understand your emotional and behavioural reactions to it, and help you develop new and healthier ways of responding.

    The prospect of opening up to a stranger can feel frightening at first. This is normal – but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help. In fact, when it comes to emotional and mental distress, time is of the essence: the more quickly you access support, the better the likely outcome.

    Our counselling is expressly designed to help you overcome specific problems in a short period of time. If you have something which is causing you anxiety but which you feel powerless to change on your own, we encourage you to get in touch.

  • After you register, we will email or call you to arrange a suitable time for your first session.

    When you register you can choose your preferred method for the consultation – on the telephone or via online consultation. You can change your preference by letting the counsellor know once the session is booked.

  • Yes! Being comfortable with your counsellor is very important to achieving your counselling goals. Please note that you will still only be entitled to 3 counselling sessions in total, regardless of the number of different counsellors you have.

  • The total cost is £360 (including VAT). This incldues:

    • TELUS Health One app: 12-month subscription including:
      • Total Wellbeing Assessments: helps you understand your health risks and make informed decisions
      • Online Clinical Programmes: over 30 specialised self-help programme based on (CBT) allowing you to choose your own path and learn in your own way
      • Digital Wellbeing Library: access a wealth of interactive digital content, exercises, podcasts, meditation, videos and more…
    • 1-1 Counselling: 3 x 1 hour sessions with a specialist TELUS counsellor designed to help you to develop strategies to overcome your challenges. Sessions are available using telephone and video chat.
  • Once you book your initial consultation, you will have a chance to tell us what has prompted you to contact us. We will work with you to understand your particular circumstances and match you with the right counsellor for your needs.

  • 3 x 1 hour sessions. Our research has shown that for most people with specific problems, this type of short-term, goal-focused counselling is the most efficient approach. We want to help you get you back to your life as quickly as possible – except feeling freer, happier and more in control.

  • Our research has shown that for most people with specific problems, a 3 session goal-focussed counselling is the most efficient approach. However, if you want additional sessions, and the counsellor thinks you will benefit, then we will discuss this with you. There will be additional costs for extra sessions.

  • Yes. All of our counsellors hold Postgraduate Diplomas in Counselling, have over 5 years experience, and are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or equivalent professional body.

  • You have a 14-day cooling off period. During this time you can cancel your purchase at no cost with a full refund provided you haven’t had any counselling sessions.

    If you have had one or more counselling sessions during the first 14 days but you can cancel you purchase but we will deduct the cost of the sessions from your refund (each session is priced at £120)

    If you want to cancel your purchase after 14 days and you have had counselling sessions, this will not be possible. If you have not had any counselling sessions, please contact us on support@patchshealth.com and we will discuss it with you.

  • If you have a complaint regarding the counselling or digital services provided by TELUS Health. You can follow the procedures outlined in our Complaints policy.

Marcus Ong PhD FIMA

Marcus Ong PhD FIMA

Chief Executive Officer

Marcus is the CEO and Co-Founder of Patchs Health. He is passionate about the positive impact which advanced technology can bring to the field of healthcare, and founded Patchs Health in order to help both patients and care providers realise these benefits.

He is an external academic supervisor and Advisory Board Member at the University of Warwick and a Fellow at the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), where he holds a Charter in Mathematics. In his early career Marcus worked in Capital Markets for Citigroup. He has also spent time as an NCA Special for the National Crime Agency, where he advised on the applications of Machine Learning and Data Science.

Marcus holds a PhD in Complexity Science with Finance and an MSc in Complexity Science, both from the University of Warwick. He also has a BSc in Physics from the University of Durham.

Outside of work Marcus loves to travel, watch football and horse ride when he can.

Youssef Taleb PhD


Youssef Taleb PhD

Lead Data Scientist

Youssef is the Lead Data Scientist at Patchs Health. He manages the development and delivery of all our Artificial Intelligence and analytics projects, working closely with our CTO to identify – and ensure we achieve – our objectives in these fields.

With a PhD and an MSc in Statistics from Imperial College London, as well as a Diplôme d’Ingénieur (MEng) from Telecom SudParis, Youssef continues to be a regular participant in university research projects. He is a GradStat member of the Royal Statistical Society, and supervises Patchs Health internships with PhD candidates. These internships help us to maintain strong links with the most pioneering thought in the academic world.

With a flair for technical complexity and a real enjoyment of the diverse nature of the role, Youssef finds the positive impact which his work has upon patients’ access to healthcare inspiring. He is committed to finding creative ways to solve the problems facing the healthcare industry.

Chris Crowther SIRA


Chris Crowther PhD SIRA

Chief Information Officer

Chris is our Chief Information Officer. He oversees information assurance and security at Patchs Health, ensuring that, amongst other things, the sensitive data contained within the Patchs system remains safe from online threats.

Chris has a first degree in Computer Science, an MA in Defence Studies and International Affairs, and a PhD in Cybersecurity. With over twenty-five years of leadership and management experience, he is CESG-certified as a Professional Lead Security and Information Risk Advisor (SIRA).

Chris set up the cyber security practices at KPMG and Airbus. He has also held senior roles within the UK Military (as well as in other UK Government departments), the US Military, the US Federal Government, and the United Nations, KPMG and Airbus.

Chris thrives when working on complex projects. He is committed to helping clients achieve digital transformation, and also enjoys passing on his expertise by mentoring more junior colleagues.


Sean Conner

Shareholder Representative

Sean is an experienced financial professional, who has worked in the capital markets for over 30 years. He represents and looks after the interests of shareholders on the Board.

Robert Brady PhD


Robert Brady PhD

Non-Executive Director

Robert advises Patchs Health on Business Development. He has extensive business experience, having previously listed his company, Brady PLC – the largest European supplier of software for global commodity trading – on the London Stock Exchange.

With both a PhD and an MA in Physics from the University of Cambridge, Robert is presently an Industrial Fellow at the University’s Computer Laboratory. He is also Treasurer of the Cambridge Angels, and was formerly an Honorary Fellow of the Cambridge Judge Business School.

Rob Eyre PhD


Rob Eyre PhD

Head of Software Development

Rob is the Head of Software Development at Patchs Health. A full-stack developer with extensive experience across multiple industries, he manages our team of developers and ensures that our software products are of the highest possible quality.

With both an MSc and a PhD in Complexity Science from the University of Warwick, as well as an MSci in Theoretical Physics from University College London, Rob originally joined us as a data scientist. He now works closely with our CTO, CMO and Product Manager in order to define and realise Patchs Health’s long-term vision.

Rob is fascinated by the interconnections between multiple systems. Using complex statistical models, his research has explored a range of public health issues – including the nature of behaviour contagion across friendship networks, and how fertility rates are calculated. His most recent publication sought to determine the causes of food insecurity in rural South Africa.

Prof. Robert MacKay


Prof Robert MacKay FRS FIMA FInstP

Advisor

Robert is the Director of Mathematical Interdisciplinary Research at Warwick and its Centre for Complexity Science, which includes its doctoral training centre. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) Renowned Fellow of the Engineering and Physical Research Council “Recognising Influential Scientists and Engineers” scheme.

Robert’s principal research interests are in the statistical behaviour of complex dynamical systems, and he aims to shed light on the concepts of emergence, tipping points, and nudges. He is currently involved in research projects on Management of Complex Systems, Energy Storage, Behavioural Science, and Internet Science.

Prof Robin Ball


Prof Robin Ball FInstP

Advisor

Robin is an Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Warwick, after previously being the Head of Physics. His principal research interests include statistical physics with an emphasis on self-organising systems. Examples of this are fractal aggregates, polymer microstructures, protein folding, dynamics of fracture and granular, and colloidal materials.

Joe Withers

Joe Withers

Data Engineer

Joe is a Senior Data Engineer at Patchs Health. He designs, builds and maintains the infrastructure which supports the way we store and process data. He also develops our back-end code, adding new features to Patchs to ensure that our functionality is always evolving.

The lead developer on one of Patchs Health’s most exciting features, the Telephone Assistant, Joe has both a degree and a masters in Computer Science (MComp) from the University of Bath.

He is a keen footballer – both 11-a-side and 5-a-side – and also enjoys climbing and bouldering in his free time.

Gwynneth Derere


Gwynneth Derere

Product Manager & Employee Representative

Gwynneth is the Product Manager and Head of Service Delivery for Patchs Health. She makes sure that our users have a smooth onboarding experience, and offers training and continuous support should they encounter any problems.

With over fifteen years of experience in the field, Gwynneth is a specialist in products for clinical systems. She has expertise across requirements management, implementation, software training and sales support, including product demonstrations. She has worked in the UK, Europe and overseas.

Before joining Patchs Health, Gwynneth worked in a diverse range of other care settings. She has also been a teacher, and has a PGCE in Primary Science and Technology. She has a BEng in Electrical Engineering, and spent a decade working in software development.

In her free time Gwynneth enjoys crochet, knitting and sewing, and walking her dog. She is a keen gardener and gains especial satisfaction from growing her own tomatoes.

Dr Ben Brown, MBChB


Dr Ben Brown PhD

Chief Medical Officer

Ben is Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Patchs Health, as well as a practicing GP and Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester. With his frontline knowledge of the challenges facing GPs and patients, he helps ensure that Patchs is as helpful, efficient and safe as it can possibly be.

Ben’s work has been published in over 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and he has won awards from the International Medical Informatics Association, British Computer Society, and the Royal College of General Practitioners – amongst others. In addition to his medical training, he has qualifications in Health Informatics (PhD), Public Health (MPH), and Leadership (MSc).

An expert in developing clinical software that uses cutting-edge data science techniques, Ben witnesses daily the benefits that digital interventions can bring. He is particularly excited when he sees these benefits in the lives of patients and healthcare staff in his own practice.

Outside of work, Ben ‘enjoys’ watching football (he is a long-suffering Leeds United supporter), listening to music, and playing the talkbox. He has two young sons – identical twins – and, when he gets the chance, is not entirely averse to a good Scotch whisky.

Charlotte Watson PhD


Charlotte Watson PhD

Software Developer

Charlotte is a Full-Stack Developer at Patchs Health. She builds all parts of the Patchs’ platform – and fixes things when they go wrong (which doesn’t happen often!). Working across back-end processes, infrastructure, design and usability, she is responsible for the complete end-to-end life cycle of each new Patchs feature.

With a BSc in Biomedical Science and a PhD in Computational Statistics, both from the University of Manchester, Charlotte originally came to Patchs Health as a data scientist. However, once here she fell in love with development, and she hasn’t been able to stop doing it since.

A keen traveller and regular theatre-goer, Charlotte also enjoys playing ice hockey.

Brendan Spillane PhD


Brendan Spillane PhD

Advisor

Brendan is a representaive for Warwick Ventures. He focusses on busines development and building sales pipleines for startups.

Dr Daniel Sprague


Dan Sprague PhD

Chief Technology & Science Officer

Dan is the Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Science Officer of Patchs Health. He leads our Technology and Data Science teams, overseeing Artificial Intelligence and software development, as well as our technology infrastructure.

He is an external academic supervisor at the University of Warwick, and previously worked as a consultant for USAID, helping them design immunisation programmes in Africa.

Dan is fascinated by the impact which people’s behavioural choices can have upon public health outcomes – including upon epidemics. His focus during his PhD was mathematical modelling and statistical methods to study those choices and their effects. Dan holds an MPhys in Physics from the University of Oxford as well as an MSc and PhD in Complexity Science from the University of Warwick.

Outside of work Dan enjoys climbing and playing the trumpet.

Lea Luders

Lea Luders

Software Developer

Lea is a Front-end Developer at Patchs Health. She helps to design and create the Patchs’ interface, so that our users have as positive an experience as possible.

With her background in Business Economics, Lea did not initially expect to work in software development – however, once she started coding she found that the combination of the technical aspect of the work with creativity was compelling. What she most enjoys is being able to make ideas come to life through the element of design.

Originally from the South of Germany, in her free time Lea enjoys reading and horse-riding. She is also a keen traveller.

Fowziya Begum

Quality Assurance Analyst

Fowziya is Patchs Health’s Quality Assurance Analyst. She thoroughly tests every aspect of our software, including our regular feature updates, to ensure that Patchs users experience as glitch-free a service as possible.

With a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, before joining us Fowziya worked in other healthcare organisations which, similarly to Patchs Health, place technological innovation and patient care at the forefront of their work. She has always been fascinated by the field, and actively seeks out the latest advancements in healthcare IT in order to improve her skills in the industry.

Beyond her professional role, Fowziya likes to volunteer for local community organisations. She lives with her husband and young son, and regularly helps out at children’s play clubs.

Mohibur Rahman

Customer Support Analyst

Mohib is our Customer Support Analyst. He provides a first point of contact for users who get in touch, and works hard to make sure that they get the support they need. Mohib also keeps track of all Patchs Health activity. He provides the team with daily data reports, so that we can understand how we are doing.

Prior to joining us, Mohib worked with Vision Health. Before that, he specialised in operational business support at a central government institution.

Mohib is passionate about helping those in need. Outside of work, he is an active charity volunteer and fundraiser. He also participates in field trips with the 13 Rivers Trust, an organization committed to helping provide basic livelihood essentials to the poor in Bangladesh, particularly orphans, widows and the elderly.

Nathan Fitzgerald

Front-End Developer

Nathan is a Front-end Developer at Patchs Health. He takes his understanding of what our users need and translates his insights into building our User Interface (UI) and maintaining our User Experience (UX), so that using Patchs is not only a visually-pleasing experience, but also one which is easy and intuitive.

Nathan began programming from his bedroom at the tender age of fourteen. Those early forays grew into a real passion for this type of work, and at eighteen he entered the industry professionally. Before joining us, he worked at BGL. He is now an expert in Javascript, HTML, CSS, and PHP.

Outside of work, Nathan plays the guitar in a cover band, and is a regular performer at weddings and private functions. He also enjoys playing games, and has a much-loved Shiba Inu (Doge) Dog.


Martin Hickman


Chief Financial Officer

Martin is a senior finance professional whose early career was spent in a number of financial and operational roles in FTSE 250 PLCs. For the last 15 years Martin has worked in a financial capacity with a number of early stage and high growth technology companies..

Steve Williams

Business Development Advisor

Steve is our Business Development Advisor. He brings more than 3 decades of global experience in technology and data infrastructure to Patchs Health, as well as his extensive management and risk/compliance experience.

Steve has held many senior roles in America, the UK, and in Japan. Previously the Global COO Equity Electronic Trading at Citi, he has also been Head of Trading for BNP Paribas in Japan. As General Manager of Fixnetix, a DXC technology company, Steve focussed on enhancing the operational efficiencies of Investment Banks and trading companies worldwide.

Emilia Fuller

Content Manager

Emilia is our Content Manager. She helps us to create and develop our written content, so that Patchs customers gain a clear understanding of the company’s product and of how to best make it work for them.

With an academic background in Philosophy and International Relations, prior to joining Patchs Health Emilia spent several years working as a teacher. She has also worked as a journalist and content writer, and most enjoys exploring new and complex subjects in order to make them legible to wider audiences.

In her own time, Emilia enjoys reading, cycling, and her own creative writing. She is also a keen traveller, and over the years has lived and worked in multiple countries.