CEO & Founder @ Pleaze App Ltd.

James Lewis • Peerlist

Our Founders StoryFor as long as I can remember, I’ve always struggled with my mental health. When I got my first taste of alcohol at an early age, I knew it was going to be a problem. Over time, both progressed rapidly and increasingly worse.I am a recovered chronic alcoholic, addict, and compulsive gambler but I am not limited to these addictions. As I say, if you gave me a few sticks and stones, I’d find a way to become addicted. Between many interventions and treatments, I have relapsed again and again. What’s the result? Complete chaos. Along with hurting those around me.I’ve been diagnosed with quite a variety of mental illnesses throughout my life. Although experts have had contradicting opinions, one thing is for sure, I have suffered extremely. I’ve had multiple attempts to end my life. The truth is, I’m not sure why or how I am here today. Due to this endless and painful struggle, I have become obsessed with doing whatever it takes to help even that one person. This app has given meaning to my confusing existence. I won’t stop until I have given all I have to make a difference. Fortunately, today I am in recovery and do not suffer anymore with my mental health. Help ButtonsOriginally, the Pleaze help buttons were the only feature of the app. Upon downloading the app the user creates a group or multiple with their friends, family or professionals. Once the user presses one of these buttons, there is a vibrating message(similar to an alarm) sent to the intended group while the user is brought to a breathing simulator to calm them. The group will also be notified once someone has responded. ResourcesThroughout my life, I quickly realised how much people didn’t know how to help me at all. The majority of people didn’t understand me either. The Pleaze app support resources is how we give the power back to the people. Instead of relying on existing services, we want to educate people on how they can help. We do this by giving Pleaze addiction and mental health prevention support badges which they can share on social media. The user must complete a quiz/test in order to obtain the badge. News FeedThroughout developing this app and refining features, I was in a terrible place mentally. Many times a day (countless in my lifetime), I have spent hours searching online for answers and information. One of Pleaze’s features is a news feed. This news feed is for everything mental health and addiction, this could be videos, pictures, articles, stories. Your daily dose of hope, positivity and information. The user can also request information they would like to see. Personal HubHelp us help you, with the Pleaze help card. Users can edit information such as warning signs, triggers and many more. Use our guided journal to help you deal with the past, present and future. Customise your own coping toolbox and access a private chat for a safe place to talk. With all that said, I’ve never been better. I am in a space to do this. I am ready to take Pleaze where it needs to go. I sincerely hope you get something from this app, even if it is just hope. I am always here for anyone, there isn’t much I haven’t seen or heard so don’t be shy. If you need anything, I don’t care how big or small… I’m just a message away.With never-ending love,James Lewis.