The People Behind Melp Group

Sophie Kirk is the founder and CEO of the Melp Group, which includes Melp Co and the Melp Foundation, organisations dedicated to transforming mental health support through innovative digital tools and community initiatives. With a background as a therapist and acupuncturist, Sophie has seamlessly integrated her expertise into the business world, creating platforms that provide accessible, high-quality mental health resources for individuals, schools, grassroots sports communities, and workplaces.

Under Sophie’s leadership, Melp Co focuses predominantly on workplace well-being, offering comprehensive solutions to enhance mental health in professional environments. This includes the Melp App, a versatile platform providing self-help videos, audios, coaching tools, hypnotherapy audios, guided meditations, and nutritional support, all curated by qualified professionals.

In addition, Sophie established the Melp Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of the Melp Group, which extends support to underserved communities, focusing on mental health education and support for secondary schools, colleges, and grassroots sports teams, with a special emphasis on women’s sports. Through this work, Sophie has been instrumental in developing educational programs that promote mental resilience, leadership, and well-being.

Despite her extensive entrepreneurial commitments, Sophie continues to practice as an acupuncturist, integrating cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to support her patients' holistic well-being. Her passion for mental health advocacy shines through her work, driving forward initiatives that bridge the gap between therapy and accessible mental health solutions.

Sophie’s journey from a dedicated therapist to a visionary leader in mental health has been marked by a steadfast commitment to improving lives. Her work continues to inspire and create lasting change in the field of mental health.

I am thrilled to be a director of Melp Foundation, as mental health is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. Having navigated my own journey, I deeply understand the importance of building mental health resilience before reaching a crisis point. As a parent, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of support provided to children in education and women in sports, which fuels my passion for making a difference.

With a unique skill set, I bring a wealth of experience to the foundation. During my 2 years as Head of Service at the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), I led initiatives that profoundly impacted patient care and support services. My empathetic approach and unwavering dedication to improving lives will be instrumental in driving the Melp Foundation forward in achieving its mission.

I am eager to apply my extensive skills and knowledge, derived from a 13-year career in banking and another 13 years in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, to the Melp Foundation. Together, we can empower schools, women’s sports and sports academies to have access to high-quality mental health support, regardless of financial, social and economic constraints.

Me and sport are like strawberries and cream. Although my family were not into sport, from a young age being outside, being physically active seemed to be my release from a hectic home.
Huge appreciation goes to my PE teacher and instructors at Sea Cadets who provided opportunities in sport and other physical activities. I’m not sure they realise the impact they had on so many young people; our saviours. They believed in me which gave me the challenges, confidence and social connections I needed to feel part of a team.

Competing at County level in athletics, basketball for Tolworth Towers then led to playing football for Chelsea Women FC in the 90’s, alongside a young Casey Stoney and Fara Williams. With no professional opportunities at this time I moved to University to train to be a PE teacher to share my passion for sport and give back to the younger generation. 

It is an absolute privilege to be in a position to positively influence young people. To build their confidence, share their passion and celebrate their success, whatever their level of performance. I’m in a position to do this daily through lessons, clubs and fixtures as well as through the trips to live sporting events and water-sports trips abroad. The greatest reward for me is when pupils join a club outside of school or actively start following a team/athlete we’ve seen live.

The physical, mental and social benefits all support each other and this is why I am involved in MELP. So get physical for more energy, release those happy hormones to help you feel good and make positive connections with others to feel part of a community. Every day try and move, go for a walk, get outside in the natural light and use your senses to see what is around you, listen to the sounds and smell the fresh air.