A 3D-printed brain which educates students about mental health has been launched by a Liverpool-based business.
Chanua Health’s first physical product was created with support from the LCR 4.0 project and its delivery partner Sensor City, where Chanua Health is based.
The service-led business aims to tackle some of the biggest challenges in healthcare, wellbeing and mental health. It is also developing an augmented reality and virtual reality game alongside Bethnal Green Ventures to teach young people about the brain and mental health.
The 3D-printed brain was created part of its ‘Neuro Champions’ programme, which provides young people with the knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in mental health.
Constructed using advanced technologies available at Sensor City, the model allows students to learn about the brain by visualising concepts and take a more ‘hands-on’ approach to learning.
Naomi Mwasambili (pictured above), co-founder of Chanua Health, said: “Harnessing the technology at Sensor City and working with LCR 4.0 has enabled us to create a product that encourages young people to be more active in understanding their thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
“We have worked hard to put young people at the core of what we do, and we’re thrilled to be expanding into new sectors and creating programmes that can benefit their health and emotional wellbeing.”
Chanua Health is also partnering with Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust running co-design sessions with children, parents and clinicians within a range of their clinical services.
In addition, Chanua Health has received a public engagement grant from the Wellcome Trust so they can further develop their Neuro Champions Young Leaders programme, a project that enables researchers, youth workers and neuroscientists to teach young people about the brain, neuroscience and mental health.
Alison Mitchell, executive director at Sensor City said: “This project is a powerful example of how incorporating advanced technologies into education and healthcare can create an impact with the potential to change lives.
“It’s fantastic to see innovative health organisations, like Chanua Health, working so effectively with our business support and technical team here at Sensor City.”