From Panic to Purpose: How One Moment Abroad Sparked a New Safety App for Travellers

Friday 22 August 2025

Ballymena entrepreneur launches Help You Home after gaining confidence through Women in Business NI support.

In 2019, I was travelling abroad when a simple moment spiralled into panic. I got separated from my group, could not find the hotel details, and felt completely disoriented. I was not on a solo trip, but I felt utterly alone.

That moment stuck with me. I kept thinking, what if it had been worse

Years later, illness gave me the space to reflect. I had an idea for a safety app, but no background in tech and no idea where to start.

I taught myself to build a no code prototype, but I had no idea what to do with it or how to turn it into something real.

Joining the TechSparkNI programme from Women in Business gave me the knowledge, confidence, and support I needed to take the next step.

Today, I have launched Help You Home, a travel safety app designed to give people peace of mind when they are away from home.

It helps users:
• Trigger a panic alarm with sound and flashing light
• Send silent alerts with location to emergency contacts
• Store hotel and trip info in one place
• Get directions back to where they are staying
• Use an NFC wristband if their phone is inaccessible

The app is now available on Android with iOS coming soon.

It is ideal for solo travellers, festival-goers, students going abroad, and parents who want peace of mind when their loved ones are away.

I incorporated accessibility features such as a zoom feature, high contrast mode and dark mode. I'm working on making the app even more inclusive, supporting people with dementia, and other additional needs.

If you are interested in the app, want to collaborate, or just want to follow the journey, visit www.helpyouhomeapp.com

And to any woman with an idea but no clear next step, I would say this. Get involved, ask questions, and join programmes like TechSparkNI. It changed everything for me.