Why Recommending Health Apps Has Been a Game Changer – From Katie at Wellbeing Enterprises

Hi, I’m Katie from the Wellbeing Enterprises team, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have reached a milestone of over 1,000 digital health recommendations! It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I want to take a moment to reflect on why recommending health apps as part of our wellbeing plans has truly been a game changer for the people we support—and for me, personally.

When I first started using ORCHA (the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps), I saw it as a great tool to complement and enhance the support we offer. But I couldn’t have predicted just how impactful it would be. To date, 289 of the apps I’ve recommended have been downloaded—which means that nearly 300 people have taken a proactive step toward improving their health and wellbeing. That’s incredible!

Empowerment Through Choice

One of the most powerful things about recommending digital health apps is the way it puts control back into the hands of individuals. Whether it’s managing anxiety, improving sleep, tracking physical activity, or learning mindfulness, these apps provide personalised, accessible tools that people can use on their own terms.

Meeting People Where They Are

While many people benefit from face-to-face support and traditional health programmes, some may prefer or need alternative forms of support that enhance and extend these options. Apps allow us to meet people where they are: on their phones, in their own time, and at their own pace. This flexibility is especially important for those with busy lives, mobility issues, or social anxiety.

 A New Standard for Wellbeing

Reaching this milestone highlights a shift towards a more holistic understanding of health and wellbeing support. It’s never about replacing face-to-face care but combining the strengths of digital tools and human connection. Together, they form a more flexible, responsive, and inclusive approach, one that supports people in the ways that work best for them.

I’m incredibly proud to be the highest current user of ORCHA within our team and to help set the benchmark for what’s possible. But the real reward is knowing that these recommendations are changing lives—making people feel seen, supported, and equipped to take the next step toward a healthier future.

Thanks to Mike and the team at ORCHA for your kind words and continued support, and to my amazing colleagues at Wellbeing Enterprises for always championing innovation.

Here’s to the next 1,000!

– Katie
Community Wellbeing Officer, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC