We hear from Chevening Fellow Ranga Wimalasuriya about his mission to disrupt mental health care in the UK, and globally.
The Chevening programme has been more than just an educational experience; it has been the catalyst for my work in transforming ADHD diagnosis and therapy, a crucial area of mental health care in the UK.
Through the CRISP fellowship programme at Oxford, I’ve had the opportunity to gain the insights, expertise, and network necessary to develop Find My Inner Calm Limited (FMIC), a solution designed to disrupt the current landscape of mental health care.
The UK’s mental health system is under immense pressure. Long waiting lists and expensive private ADHD assessments create barriers to timely care, and online therapy services typically rely on counsellors instead of fully qualified psychologists, which can impact the quality of care.
At FMIC, we are addressing these challenges with an innovative approach that combines high-quality care with affordability, something we believe is key to improving healthcare in the UK.
By leveraging Sri Lanka’s pool of UK-certified clinicians instead of counsellors, we are able to offer high-quality ADHD services at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional private assessments. This approach not only makes care more affordable but also ensures patients receive the expertise necessary for accurate assessments and effective therapy.
We’ve already made strides in securing clinical leadership from Dr. Chrishara Paranawithana, a leading ADHD expert, and we’ve built the operational and compliance foundations necessary for success. Our pricing and technology infrastructure are ready, and we’re focused on expanding our services across the UK, starting with ADHD diagnosis before scaling to full therapy solutions.
We are currently working towards NHS “Right to Choose” accreditation, which will allow us to integrate our services into public healthcare pathways and further support the UK’s goals of improving mental health accessibility.
In addition to providing high-quality, affordable mental health services, we’re also keen on bridging talent from Sri Lanka to the UK, having the potential to benefit both countries’ healthcare systems.
The insights and skills I gained from Chevening’s CRISP fellowship have been pivotal in shaping FMIC’s approach. The fellowship at Oxford exposed me to world-class academic minds and provided invaluable mentorship. It was here that I met my co-founder, Mark Evans, and together we laid the foundation for FMIC.
The exposure to global perspectives from the diverse CRISP cohort also expanded my understanding of how the UK can play a leading role in global healthcare collaboration.
I am confident that FMIC can drive meaningful change not just in the UK, but globally.
Chevening alumna Samirah Bello has raised millions of dollars to advance women’s inclusion and support smallholder famers across three Africa countries. We find out more about her impact and career after Chevening.
For millions of people in low-income countries, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge. Dr. Samson Oboche Agbo, a Chevening alumnus and public health expert, is working to change that.
For many communities in Botswana, access to essential resources and opportunities remains a challenge. Yet, one woman is changing the narrative. Through her relentless commitment to social entrepreneurship and community development, Chevening alumna Kagiso Madibana is not just talking about change; she's making it happen.