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Grief can be overwhelming

You don’t have to deal with it alone. Phone, email and online support, plus local one-to-one and group sessions

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Grief can be overwhelming - you don’t have to deal with it alone. Cruse Bereavement Support is here. Call our helpline or chat online.

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Improve your mental health with our Mind Plan

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Improve your mental health with our Mind Plan

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Our 5-question quiz is a great place to start, especially if you're not sure where to begin.

You'll get a personalised action plan with tips from mental health experts. You can also sign up for weekly emails, based on your plan.

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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Learn how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.

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6 simple tips to tackle working from home

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6 simple tips to tackle working from home

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Working from home, remotely or splitting time between home and the office (hybrid working) has become more common than ever.

Many of us have had to adjust to these new ways of working following the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020. Some of us have even entered the workforce for the first time, starting working life in a remote role, without having experienced an office-based job.

Working from home can have benefits and perks that some of us enjoy (bye bye commute!), but a change like this can be challenging too and can have a big impact on our mental health.

It can cause stress, a lack of motivation, anxiety and uncertainty. Alongside this, we might worry about future job prospects or the best way to juggle work with our personal and family life.

These simple tips can help you feel more productive, motivated and take care of your mental health while working from home.

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6 tips to tackle working from home - Every Mind Matters

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Read our 6 simple tips to help you manage working from home and look after your mental wellbeing.

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This space has been created to support science apprentices with common learning challenges. Whether you want help with time management, assignments, revision, writing, digital tools, motivation, or study strategies, you’ll find practical resources here. You do not need to use everything. Start with the section that matches the challenge you are facing right now.

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This video explains why stress happens, how it can affect both your body and your thinking, and introduces simple, practical techniques to help you stay calm and focused before and during exams.

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We’re the suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives.

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📞 0800 58 58 58

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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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We're the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and we're uniting the UK against suicide.

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When you’re going through a mental health problem, the right support and information can make a big difference.

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

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We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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Mental Health Foundation | Good mental health for all

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Explore information to help you understand mental health and get advice on how you look after your own mental health or support someone you know with theirs.

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When you’re going through a mental health problem, the right support and information can make a big difference.

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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Families Anonymous is a world-wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.

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Families Anonymous UK | Supporting people affected by drug abuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Families Anonymous is a world-wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.

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A Safety Plan is a simple, personalised guide to help you stay safe during difficult times. It includes steps to cope, stay safe, and reach out for support. Made in advance, it acts as a reminder of what helps when things feel overwhelming.

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing

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Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing

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What is good mental health?

Looking after your mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It's actually something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like with our physical health.

Staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us now but also helps us deal manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems.

There are lots of things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing every day - make a start with these 7 top tips.

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Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing - Every Mind Matters

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Good mental health is essential to living happy and healthy lives. See 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

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Join Mal and Kayleigh for a special WellMe Podcast celebrating International Self-Care Day and Samaritans Awareness Day. Discover how simple yoga and mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and bring more calm into everyday life. Take a few moments for yourself and listen now. 💚

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AtaLoss.org: UK wide bereavement signposting and information website

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Traumatic Grief Supporting a Community Tragedy

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AtaLoss.org: UK wide bereavement signposting and information website | Find Support Now

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Discover comprehensive UK bereavement support resources at AtaLoss.org, guiding you through grief with information and helplines tailored to your needs.

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Honest information about drugs

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Join Mal and Kayleigh for a special WellMe Podcast celebrating International Self-Care Day and Samaritans Awareness Day. Discover how simple yoga and mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and bring more calm into everyday life. Take a few moments for yourself and listen now. 💚

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If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won't judge or tell you what to do.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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We know that many of those who are bereaved, across the UK, do not know where to turn for help. The Good Grief Trust has a choice of 1000 + charities and tailored local and national support services under one umbrella.

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We offer free information and emotional support for people living with a terminal illness and their family, friends and carers. Open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.

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Call our Support Line on 0800 090 2309 for emotional and practical information about terminal illness and grief, including for family and friends.

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If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won't judge or tell you what to do.

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📧 jo@samaritans.org

📞 116 123

🗨️ Live Chat

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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In recognition of International Self-Care Day and Samaritans Awareness Day, we've released a special episode of the CSR WellMe Podcast exploring how yoga and mindfulness can support your wellbeing, reduce stress and help you build moments of calm into everyday life.

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self Care - Yoga & Meditation Poster 2026

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CSR Learner Wellbeing Survey: Your Voice Matters 

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CSR Learner Wellbeing Survey: Your Voice Matters 

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This short, anonymous survey will help us understand what’s working well, what could be improved, and what learners would like to see more of from the CSR Wellbeing Team. Your feedback will help shape future wellbeing support, resources, and activities across CSR Scientific Training. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale — the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history — The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.

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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr.…

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What does it really mean to be a man today? In Man Made, Pete Wicks sits down with friends, peers and public figures to unpack modern masculinity: the good, the bad and the confusing. A place for real conversations about who we are, who we want to be, and how we get there.

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What does it really mean to be a man today? In Man Made, Pete Wicks sits down with friends, peers and public figures to unpack modern masculinity: the good, the bad and the confusing. They talk openly about the traits that define them, the moments they have got it wrong, and how expectations of men are changing. From vulnerability and relationships to friendship, fame and fatherhood, no topic is off limits. These conversations are not just for men, but for anyone who wants to better understand them. A place for real conversations about who we are, who we want to be, and how we get there. If you ever need mental-health support or want to talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope to find services in your area.

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Meet the CALMzone app: Free Science-Backed Mental Health Support For Real Life

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Meet the CALMzone app: Free mental health support in your pocket | CALM

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CALMzone is CALM’s free app to help you deal with anxiety. CALMzone is full of mental health exercises and info to help you manage anxiety, panic, stress and whatever life throws at you.

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The Calmer You Podcast is about helping you to heal anxiety, quiet the inner critic and live a more expansive life of calm and confidence.

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The Calmer You Podcast. The Calmer You Podcast is about helping you to heal anxiety, quiet the inner critic and live a more expansive life of calm and confidence.

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Daily self-care is finally fun - take care of your pet while taking care of yourself!

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We are passionate about supporting learners with their wellbeing and helping them overcome barriers that may be affecting their learning or daily life.

Our team is here to listen, support and work alongside learners to help them achieve their goals.

💚 Get to know the team below.

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Join Kayleigh, Fiona, Lauren and Leila on the WellMe Podcast celebrating International Women’s & Girls in Science Day – real stories about confidence, challenges, and believing in your potential.

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Join Kayleigh, Dani, and Dawn for a real conversation about work–life balance.

In this episode of the WellMe Podcast, we share our experiences juggling work, study, and life – the challenges, and the small tips that make a big difference.

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Join Chris, Joe, Matt, Mattkinson, and Kayleigh for an open conversation about men’s mental, emotional, and physical health.

During this episode, we will look at how we can break down taboos, foster honest and open conversations, and even explore the benefits of tree bathing.

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British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

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BACP is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK. We exist for one simple reason - counselling changes lives

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Unlock hundreds of mood-boosting meditations, relaxing sleep exercises, focus music, and more with our biggest offer of the year.

It's the healthiest, happiest deal you'll find this Black Friday, and it won't last long.

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Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace

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Live a healthier, happier, more well-rested life in just a few minutes a day with the Headspace app.

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Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety.

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Free psychotherapy for people on low incomes and benefits

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The free psychotherapy network (Free Service)

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The free psychotherapy network (Free Service)

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📧 peter@empathyzone.com

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I became part of Free Psychotherapy Network in January 2021.

I am comfortable with being paid a reasonable wage for my work and am utterly against the pressure on trained counsellors to work without pay in organisations with paid staff. I recognise and value all the training and experience that has gone into making me what I am in the therapeutic space.

However, I have always believed in the importance of there being high quality services in the care sector that are free at the point of delivery, and I have worked in those services most of my adult life. So coming across FPN was like a breath of fresh air.

Since January I have delivered over 100 hours of free person-centred therapy, and I have loved it. I love working as a therapist anyway, but I have found something special in my FPN experience. I wouldn't be able to give large sums to charity in the way that I would wish to, but through the simple gift of my time I can give more than I would have imagined, and I can see the benefit of it too in the lives of the diverse group of people I work with.

Firstly, I was glad to be done with sliding scales and the agonising bartering with someone to ascertain what they can afford. It feels like an intrusion and a threat for them, and only adds to the power that I wield from my side of the room. People come to FPN knowing exactly how it is - they are asking for free counselling and the counsellors are looking to offer it. Hooray for a lack of ambiguity!

Secondly, I have found that the removal of the profit motive and the explicitly open endednature of the offer has given both myself and the client space to breathe, time to think and explore and build trust without any pressure at all. For me this has added immeasurably to the relational depth I feel, and I see the growth and change in my clients that comes from an experience of that too.

Thirdly, I am always learning from my clients, but the learning gained from the work I have done has been immense. Perhaps this is down to the sense of space described above. There are so many aspects of intersectionality for instance, that have been explained and explored in the course of the year.

Finally, the work I have done with one client has led to the development of a new initiative that is in the process of being funded, that will see many young people have access to process led learning and personal development as part of a package of input to help them value themselves more effectively when faced with rejection from the world of professional sport.

My only regret is that I have had to turn some people away, as I have been at full capacity for most of the year. There are an awful lot of therapists out there. I do wish that as a profession we could all offer even one free space. If my experience is anything to go by, both the client and ourselves would be the beneficiary of that gift.

Andy Whitehouse

2/12/2021

Featured Categories Support groups

If you are looking for an FPN therapist, go to the Find a Therapist page here.

The directory is organised by geographical areas. Choose a therapist and use the contact details to get in touch. Many of the therapists have a short profile available about themselves and their work. We offer no guarantee that therapists have free or low fee places available at any particular time. You will have to find out for yourself. All arrangements for therapy will be made between yourself and the therapist. Individual therapists work under the codes of ethics and practice of their registration organisations.

For a list of other organisations offering free and low-fee counselling and psychotherapy nationwide, click here.

Featured Categories Low-cost therapy

On Monday 10th October 2022, World Mental Health Day, the Government announced £122 million of funding for mental health. But the bitter reality is that this money is not being spent on in-patient beds, community mental health initiatives or trained counsellors and psychotherapists for public mental health services. Instead the Government is using this money to recruit and train 700 'employment advisers' to work alongside therapists in the NHS's flagship Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. This will help drive the highly contested policy of 'welfare conditionality' that threatens benefits claimants with sanctions if they don't conform to certain patterns of behaviour, a policy which targets the poorest and most deserving sections of our society at a time when they need the greatest help.

Despite the timing of the press release, the money announced is not being used to build mental health support. Instead it is an expansion of an existing IAPT-based scheme providing, as the announcement states, 'combined psychological treatment and employment support to help [people] to remain in, return to or find work and improve their mental health' {1]. The linking of work and mental health, however, is deeply problematic. In 2015, hundreds of counsellors, psychotherapists and academics opposed the pilot scheme that first put together Jobcentre employment advisors and IAPT therapists, a scheme that in a letter to the Guardian [2] the signatories denounced as anti-therapeutic and professionally unethical.

Nothing has changed except that this policy now threatens to coerce a greater number of people into a system of employability interventions and psychological treatment in order to avoid sanctions on their welfare payments, including the main disability grants. As the highly contested Universal Credit programme is rolled out across the UK in response to rapidly growing low pay and job insecurity, many more people will be unable to secure living wages and will be forced into the benefits regime, where they will be subject to this pressure to undergo combined psychological interventions and employment advice.

What is the role of therapists in such a system? For us, work is not a health outcome. Employment is not an expected or even inherently desirable result of genuine counselling and psychotherapy. Real therapy does not aim to return individuals to the workplace or to keep them in jobs that may be economically insecure, psychologically toxic, systemically oppressive and personally damaging.

The linking of State therapy and employment advice, particularly if connected in any way with a punitive benefits system that has the power to sanction claimants for their perceived failures to find work, must surely contaminate some of the central tenets of good therapy - not least the autonomy and right to self- determination of the person undertaking it. The rolled-out scheme may be trailed as 'voluntary' but if 'employment advisers and therapists will work together so that a person can return to or find work easier and faster', as the Government say, then the non-coercive integrity of the therapy cannot realistically be maintained.

Given that the Government statement is at pains to point out how the overall aim of the project is 'driving economic growth', we also have to ask therapists whether they can - ethically and in good faith - align their practices with such an agenda. The therapist's job is not to work from an assumption that 'work is good' or to aim to reduce the number of people receiving benefits, including disability benefits that are increasingly claimed on the basis of mental illness, but to provide an opportunity for reflection on all aspects of a person's life.

As a network of organisations representing counsellors and psychotherapists, we at PCP believe that this announcement on World Mental Health Day is a cynical attempt to reduce government spending at the expense of people who most need genuine therapeutic support during an unprecedented period of economic crisis. We reject the financial logic that underpins the linking of employment and wellbeing services as it is a profound attack on the principles of talking therapies and will lead to a cruel and measurable deepening of the UK's mental health crisis.

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/122-million-employment-boost-for-people-receiving-mental-health-support

2. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/17/austerity-and-a-malign-benefits-regime-are-profoundly-damaging-mental-health

Partners for Counselling & Psychotherapy
http://www.partnersforcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk
email: admin@partnersforcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk

twitter: @pcp_uk #workcure #psychocompulsion

Categories Uncategorized

An online meeting for members and supporters of the Free Psychotherapy Network Saturday 21st November 11am - 1pm

Dear FPN therapists and supporters,
Please join us to discuss the future of FPN. We have been going for over six years now, offering free therapy to people on benefits and low incomes. Our website has 35,000 visitors a year. We have 50 plus therapists, half in Greater London and the rest throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The demand from people wanting therapy is overwhelming, especially in the London area.

As well as linking clients and therapists through the website, FPN has been campaigning on issues around the politics of counselling and psychotherapy - workfare and psycho-compulsion, the lack of open-ended relational therapy on the NHS, and support for the social model of mental health. We have also been providing free group support online for people isolated during the Covid pandemic.

We recently joined Partners for Counselling and Psychotherapy - a new umbrella group of progressive therapy organisations.

The organisational side of FPN has been mainly done by a small group of us based in London. Recently we have mainly just looked after the website and answered queries. A few of us meet regularly for peer supervision of our free work.
Join us to think about FPN's future, to explore new ideas for expanding the network and campaigning for social and psychological justice. We definitely need more therapists. How can we campaign to encourage more therapists to join us? Given the experience of working online under Covid, can we start pooling enquiries and connect people by availability online rather than just geography. We could do more Covid support groups online. And more peer supervision of free work. Some of us have been thinking about a campaign for "real therapy" - more provision of open-ended relational therapy through community-based therapy collectives as well as through the NHS. The NHS recently published an ambitious long term plan for community-based mental health provision, something that won't happen without challenge. One possibility for the future - some community centres are offering us rooms for doing free work.
Come and join us on Saturday 21st November, and help us think about where we go now. We are using an Eventbrite page for people to register so we have an idea of who's attending. We will organise it on Zoom and email the link to anyone who wants to come.

Circulate this Eventbrite link to anyone you think might be interested: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-psychotherapy-network-where-do-we-go-from-here-tickets-124245739351

For more info and contact email, see here

Posted on Categories Uncategorized

Nicola Saunders and Paul Atkinson are organising an event at Momentum's The World Transformed on Capitalism and Mental Health on Saturday 21st September at 3.00 - 5.30 pm in Brighton. Jacqui Dillon and Malcolm Philips are joining us to introduce the meeting.

The focus of the event is to gather together from the people at the meeting concrete proposals for radical alternative policies on mental health for the next Labour Manifesto. This will be part of Momentum's Policy Lab programme through which an alternative manifesto will be presented by John McDonnell and others to the LP manifesto discussion.

Our aim is to quickly identify together the main policy areas and spend as much time as possible in smaller groups discussing and formulating policy proposals for each area. It really matters then that we manage to attract as wide a range of experience and opinion on transforming mental health policy.

The online Momentum flyer for the event lists five "speakers". This is a bit misleading. In fact, Nicola will chair; Malcolm, Jacqui and Paul will kick things off with very brief talking points around the kind of issues we face in the mental health arena; Jon Ashworth, shadow Minister for Health, will say something brief at the end of the session.

As far as possible, the meeting will belong to the people who come along. So please come if you can. Get tickets here. And please circulate the invite to anyone who might be interested.

Warm greetings from Paul and Nicola
Contact paulwilliamatkinson@gmail.com

Categories Activism, Meetings, Mental Health Campaigning, Neo-liberalism, NHS, Psychiatry

Watch Denis Postle's video of the New Savoy demo 21 March 2018

The Alliance for Counselling and Psychotherapy has organised a demo at the New Savoy conference again this year. Please circulate the flyer linked here to your networks and come along yourself if you can make it. It's an early start at South Kensington.

* The hierarchy of IAPT and psychological services in the NHS who gather at these conferences continue to offer liberal mouthings about DWP welfare reform policies, WCA and PIP, sanctions, coercion around Work and Health. But they've actually taken no real action to boycott DWP/Health collaboration, despite all the developments re judicial reviews, UN condemnations, the recent Parl Committee report, and the UC debacle.

In his intro to the conference, in the programme link above, Jeremy Clarke (NS chair) says:

"The second issue is the running sore of welfare benefit reform, and its negative impact on mental health, that undermines whatever benefit we make to population wellbeing. Have we reached a consensus now for how we can turn the tide? The BBC's Mark Easton will find out"

* The overall theme is depression; there are sessions on the crisis in the IAPT workforce, latest staff survey, impact of targets; session on Work and Health Unit; Wessely's review of human rights and compulsory treatment; session on Employee Assistant Programmes ( often run by people like Maximus); familiar faces in the list of speakers.

* The scam of IAPT as a service in local communities. IAPT has a massive evidence base, tons of statistics for every CCG in England including "recovery" rates; ethnicity stats; deprivation stats; etc etc No-one really analyses the figures. For IAPT, it seems just collecting the stats is their claim to being evidence based and therefore their claim for funding from the Government. In fact, their stats reveal a shockingly failing provision.

For example, out of over 1,350,000 referrals a year, 85% either never enter any kind of therapy, or never finish a course of treatment, or don't "move to recovery" (as IAPT jargon has it). In my CCG (Tower Hamlets) only 6.6% of referrals to IAPT "recovered" and among the Bangladeshi community who make up over 30% on TH population only 3% "recovered". Paul Farmer's Taskforce target for % of population who "need IAPT therapy" is 15%, rising to 25% by 2021. In TH about 2% of the pop were referred/referred themselves to IAPT, of whom as I say 6.6% "recovered".

IAPT will be a major part of the propaganda around the NHS reorganisation now in progress, via the STPs and the ACOs they are developing ( link here for more info on this). STP management have "the mental health crisis" high on their agenda - certainly their PR agenda - and selling more provision for IAPT services will be a major plank of the campaign. See Hunt on this role for IAPT here.

IAPT is rarely taken to task as a service that is massively failing communities all over England. This is true in the Labour Party as much as anywhere else. This has to stop. It is a propaganda service for neoliberal capitalism and its dissemination of psychological scapegoating and coercion across society.

Hope to see some of you on the 21st,

Categories Uncategorized

"We have endured year after year of austerity with cuts to our services and benefits and jobs, whilst the already far too rich are coining it in. Britain is the site of gross and unacceptable levels of inequality, and it keeps getting worse. Nothing that comes from the mouths of this government can be trusted, as they continually say one thing whilst doing the complete opposite. We are faced with crises in every sphere of the services that we need including education, social care, prisons, mental health services, housing, zero hours contracts and the health service. All are being undermined and destroyed whilst the corporate media mainly ignores the hell that has been created for so many, or distracts us with endless propaganda campaigns designed to get us turning in on one another whilst the corporations steal away everything that our grandparents struggled to achieve."
Roy Bard MWA zine#2
Details of the protest here

Read the Mental Wealth Alliance zine for the protest here

Categories Uncategorized

Without real practical connections becoming alive and sparking between people in communities, then politics dies.This is George Monbiot's thesis. Monbiot - activist, researcher and writer - has been laying out his vision of a reborn politics based on a thick web of interconnected grass roots and community activities.

Given the state of so many shattered communities, today's politics can easily become all about argument and policy. It gets to seem dry, thinned out and irrelevant to most people. Live connected communities are essential if politics is to become vital and relevant to most people.

Over the last 20 years, the winds of globalisation have ripped through many communities and towns, atomising us, breaking down real connectivity between people. Recently it has become public knowledge just how many people are living such lonely isolated lives, that they may not speak to another person in a whole week. George Monbiot has written in the Guardian (8th Feb 2017 ):

"It is in the powder of shattered communities that anti-politics swirls, raising towering dust-devils of demagoguery and extremism. These tornadoes threaten to tear down whatever social structures still stand. When people are atomised and afraid, they feel driven to defend their own interests against other people's. In other words, they are pushed away from intrinsic values such as empathy, connectedness and kindness, and towards extrinsic values such as power, fame and status."

We need to restore community life in all its many varieties as a solution and response to the many crises we face. George Monbiot argues for creating thick networks - " projects that develop a dense participatory culture " - and he cites the example of Rotterdam in Holland where one estimate suggests there are now 1, 300 civic projects in the city. In the same article, Monbiot also looks at Todmorden in Yorkshire.

The question that I want to ask is this - is this movement that is participatory grass roots network the sort of movement that FPN should be linking up to, and contributing to? If Yes, then how do we start to do that?

Andy Metcalf

February 2017

Categories Activism, Alienation

It's time for the psy professional bodies to stop colluding with the DWP

Join the protest against the professional bodies supporting work cure therapy for benefit claimants with mental health disabilities
Tuesday 5th July at 9 am at the New Savoy Conference Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ
Central London @ Great Portland Street tube ( Map here)

See the conference programme here

For a decade or more, the Government has been deploying psychotherapy to get people with mental health difficulties off benefits, back to work and mapped into the neoliberal labour market. Since 2010, austerity policies of welfare reform - punitive Work Capability Assessments, benefit cuts, workfare, sanctioning - have intensified government strategies of psycho-compulsion and work cure for welfare claimants. IAPT therapists are being co-located in Jobcentres, DWP mental health advisers and employment coaches in GP surgeries, food banks, schools and libraries.

The big five national organisations representing the professions of counselling, psychotherapy and clinical psychology* have welcomed these policies and the state funding of back-to-work therapy.

As members of the New Savoy Partnership, they have been major players in The New Savoy Conference, an annual jamboree and market stall for state therapies in the NHS. The NSC frequently stages opening addresses by DWP and Health ministers to assert the close relationship between the professional bodies, MH charities and Government mental health and work-cure policies and funding. Hundreds of mental health workers accredited by the psy professional bodies have been hired by the DWP to provide "support into work". These are jobs that are experienced as deeply unethical by many of the professionals being steered into this kind of work.

In March this year, the Mental Wealth Foundation ( see below) wrote to the five professional organisations challenging their support of the government's use of psychological therapies to put pressure on people with mental health disabilities to get into work. You can read the exchange of letters between us and the professional bodies here.

So far, all but one of these organisations are refusing to speak to us and continue to argue that they have had private reassurances from the DWP that "work cure" therapy will not be mandatory for claimants, and will not involve setting entry into employment as a therapeutic outcome. This claim defies the reality of the DWP's record of punitive and coercive policies of workfare, Work Capability Assessment and sanctioning and its growing determination through its Work and Health initiatives to prioritise work as the therapy of choice for long-term mental health disability.

* British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies; British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; British Psychoanalytic Council; British Psychological Society; United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy

Come and join the protest against work cure therapy for benefit claimants with mental health disabilities. All welcome. Gather at 9am on Tuesday 5th July outside the Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ. For more info contact eventsatfpn@yahoo.com

The Mental Wealth Foundation (MWF) is a broad, inclusive coalition of professional, grassroots, academic and survivor campaigns and movements. We bear collective witness and support collective action in response to the destructive impact of the new paradigm in health, social care, welfare and employment. We oppose the individualisation and medicalisation of the social, political and material causes of hardship and distress, which are increasing as a result of austerity cuts to services and welfare and the unjust shift of responsibility onto people on low incomes and welfare benefits. Our recent conference focused on Welfare Reforms and Mental Health, Resisting the Impact of Sanctions, Assessments and Psychological Coercion.

Currently, seventeen organisations are gathered under the MWF umbrella: Mental Health Resistance Network; Disabled People Against Cuts; Recovery in the Bin; Boycott Workfare; The Survivors Trust; Alliance for Counselling and Psychotherapy; College of Psychoanalysts; Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility; Psychologists Against Austerity; Free Psychotherapy Network; Psychotherapists and Counsellors Union; Critical Mental Health Nurses' Network; Social Work Action Network (Mental Health Charter); National Unemployed Workers Combine; Merseyside County Association of Trades Union Councils; Scottish Unemployed Workers' Network; National Health Action Party

Categories Activism, CBT, IAPT, Jobcentres, Mental Health Campaigning, Neo-liberalism, Welfare Benefits, Work

A conference organised by the Free Psychotherapy Network

The state of our emotional and psychological lives is as fundamental as our material standard of living - our incomes, our physical health, our working conditions, our education and housing. Yet we live in a society whose dominant political and cultural messages over-emphasize money, profit, property and consumption. At the same time, the quality of our emotional lives and relationships with our families, friends, co-workers, neighbours and wider communities is undervalued.

This conference is an opportunity to explore and develop sustainable networks of psychological support which are community led. The aim is to create a collaborative space for therapists, service users, survivors, claimants' unions and community groups to explore our experience, our needs and desires together. We have much to learn from each other!

The day will be workshop based. Workshop themes may include: sick individual or sick society?; peer led groups - what works, what doesn't; the experience of FPN so far - free work and working free of funding and institutional restraints; minding the gap between the 'professional' and the 'client' - exploring the power relationship between therapists and clients; building the relationship between FPN and community groups; developing FPN local groups.

If you would like to suggest or run a workshop, please email: eventsatfpn@yahoo.com - add your suggestions here

The conference is free. All welcome.

If you would like help with travel costs we may be able to help, email: paulwilliamatkinson@gmail.com

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Categories Activism, Mental Health Campaigning, Neo-liberalism, Recovery, Welfare Benefits

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free psychotherapy for people on low incomes and benefits

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Clinically approved to help you self-manage your mental health using music therapy principles in an easy and enjoyable way.

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A brief thought about paying the electricity bill could spiral into worries about money or work and take your mind off the meditation.

Remember: having a totally blank mind is not the goal of meditation. It's OK if a thought intrudes - just gently try to shift your focus back to your breath.

If your mind wanders off 10 times during a meditation, bring it back to the breath 10 times.

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How to meditate for beginners - Mental wellbeing tips - Every Mind Matters

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A brief thought about paying the electricity bill could spiral into worries about money or work and take your mind off the meditation. Remember: having a totally blank mind is not the goal of meditation. It's OK if a thought intrudes - just gently try to shift your focus back to your breath.

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How to fall asleep faster and sleep better

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How to fall asleep faster and sleep better

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The mental health benefits of good sleep include boosting our mood, reducing stress and helping with anxiety.

If you're having trouble sleeping, knowing how to sleep better can make a big difference.

Find out more about ways to help you sleep, including sleep hygiene, and expert video advice from a professor of sleep medicine at the University of Oxford.

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How to fall asleep faster and sleep better - Every Mind Matters

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Find out what can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better, including using sleep hygiene to improve sleep.

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Catch It is a joint initiative from the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester and helps users better understand their moods through use of an ongoing mood diary.

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Making Sense of Your Moods

Catch It is a joint project between the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester, to help users better understand their moods through use of an ongoing diary.

The app was designed to illustrate some of the key principles of psychological approaches to mental health and well-being, and specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

What's in the App?

Step by step mood tracker

Mood diary

Helping me with depression

"Whenever I'm emotionally charged, the phrasing and guidance of the questions really helps to calm me down. And while sometimes my depression just manifests as emptiness, its more often anger. So this is good for getting me into the habit of not using the flight/fight response."

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Catch It is a joint project between the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester, to help users better understand their moods through use of an ongoing diary. The app was designed to illustrate some of the key principles of psychological approaches to mental health and well-being, and specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

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Worried about self-harm?

Calm Harm is a free* app that helps you manage or resist the urge to self-harm.

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Calm Harm is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to self-harm. It was developed by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, in collaboration with young people and uses principles from an evidence-based psychological treatment called Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it.

Learn to ride the wave with the Calm Harm app by choosing activities from these categories:
, , Express Yourself , , and .

There is also a breathing exercise to help you be mindful and stay in the moment, regulate difficult emotions, and reduce tension.

When you ride the wave, the urge to self-harm will fade.

The Calm Harm app provides some immediate activities and techniques to help you break the cycle of self-harm behaviour and explore underlying trigger factors; the app supports you in building a 'safety net' of helpful thoughts, behaviours, and access to supportive people, as well as providing the opportunity to journal and self-reflect. The Calm Harm app also signposts to help.

The app is private, anonymous, and safe.

Please note that the Calm Harm app is not a substitute for the assessment and individualised treatment by a health or mental health professional.

Our app is for young people over the age of 13.

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Calm Harm is a free app to help teenagers manage the urge to self-harm. Available on Google Play & App Store.

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A podcast with Kayleigh Emelia chatting about what makes us happy, with a few everyday hints and tips along the way.

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Counselling Directory - Find a Counsellor Near You

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Find the support you deserve with Counselling Directory - your bridge to skilled counsellors and therapists near you. Part of the Happiful family.

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At GriefChat, we believe professional bereavement support should always be accessible and free to those in need.

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At GriefChat, we believe professional bereavement support should always be accessible and free to those in need.

We support organisations in helping those dealing with grief by providing them with a safe space for bereaved people to be able to share their story, explore their feelings and be supported by a qualified bereavement counsellor. In addition to this, GriefChat can help bereaved people to consider if they need additional support and where to get this from...

When can I get GriefChat?

GriefChat is open Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 21:00 (GMT). In those hours, we provide a live instant chat service with a qualified bereavement counsellor, through our partners, that is free-to-user.

You don't need to face grief alone. We can help you to find one to one support either locally or remotely.

View or start an online In Memory page for a loved one, through GriefChat's MuchLoved page.

Become a GriefChat Partner

You can provide professional bereavement support that is free and immediate for anyone in need, anywhere in the world.

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GriefChat - Transforming Access to Bereavement Counselling

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At GriefChat, we believe professional bereavement support should always be accessible and free to those in need. We support organisations in helping those dealing with grief by providing them with a safe space for bereaved people to be able to share their story, explore their feelings and be supported by a qualified bereavement counsellor.

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Find Counsellors and Therapists in England - Psychology Today

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Find the Right Counsellor in England - Charlotte Seebohm, MHGI; May Tse-Mei Ho, MBACP; Still Waters Counselling; Andrea Thomas, MSc, MUKCP; Dr Abida Choudhry, AFBPSsS; Sandra Christian, MBACP Accred; Dorrie Hannah Townend, MA, MBACP; Christian Opyrchal, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.

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We're here to help you make the most of your relationships; past, present or future.

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Relate offers counselling services for every type of relationship nationwide. We provide advice on marriage, LGBT issues, divorce and parenting.

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The English National Hearing Voices Network focuses on helping to create respectful and empowering spaces, whilst challenging the inequalities & oppressive practices that hold people back.

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Our aims are to:

Raise awareness of the diversity of voices, visions and similar experiences

Challenge negative stereotypes, stigma and discrimination

Help create more spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to talk freely about voice-hearing, visions and similar sensory experiences

Raise awareness of a range of different ways to manage distressing, confusing or difficult voices

Encourage a more positive response to voice-hearing and related experiences in healthcare settings and wider society

Some of the things we do:

Sharing information and free resources through our website, social media, e-bulletin, newsletter and email information service

Engaging with the media to present realistic and hopeful perspectives on hearing voices and related experiences

Offering workshops, training and events - subject to resources

Supporting members who want to set up a Hearing Voices Group

Some of the things we don't do

Run groups directly (we provide guidance and networking opportunities for those who do run groups)

Provide crisis or long-term support (we connect people with available resources where possible). See Getting Help & Support for more info

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about our work, become a member or get your self-help group listed on our website, please contact us at:

National Hearing Voices Network (HVN)
86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
Email: info@hearing-voices.org

Whilst we do our best to reply promptly, our email is managed by a small team of trained volunteers and we get more enquiries than we can often manage. If you need help in a crisis, please call 111. For less urgent help, see our getting help and support page.

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National Hearing Voices Network - For people who hear voices, see visions or have other unusual perceptions

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Raise awareness of the diversity of voices, visions and similar experiences Challenge negative stereotypes, stigma and discrimination Help create more spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to talk freely about voice-hearing, visions and similar sensory experiences Raise awareness of a range of different ways to manage distressing, confusing

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Rethink Mental Illness offers clear, practical support for anyone affected by suicide.

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Whether you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, grieving a loss, or supporting someone else. It provides trusted information, emotional guidance, and free resources and training to help people cope and stay safe.

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National mental health charity: information, services & a strong voice for everyone affected by mental illness - challenging attitudes and changing lives.

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At AA, alcoholics help each other. We will support you. You are not alone. Together, we find strength and hope. You are one step away.

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Stay Alive is a suicide prevention resource full of tools and resources to help people stay safe from suicide.

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The Stay Alive app by Grassroots Suicide Prevention - Grassroots Suicide Prevention

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Find out more about our pioneering suicide prevention app. Read about the research behind our award-winning work, the impact it has had on the at-risk community and how to get involved in support, campaigns and development. Read More…

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Effective help & treatment for sufferers.

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Everything You Need for Eating Disorders

We believe that you have the right to get the best help from someone who cares and understands.

We believe that therapists deserve the best training and ongoing support to empower their work.

This is our mission for people with anorexia, bulimia, binge and compulsive eating, body image issues, weight struggles and for the people who serve them.

Eating Disorder Breakthrough Transformations

A Breakthrough session is a 3-hour transformational experience with an international eating disorder specialist who has deep knowledge and experience of eating distress. Whatever your problem, you will be met with compassion and understanding.

Find a Breakthrough Counsellor

Or call +44 (0)845 838 2040

Help For Carers

Carers and friends can be valuable allies for someone with an eating disorder. Recovery is possible with the right support. We will give you the support and advice you need.

Eating Disorder Information

Discover articles about eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, body image & topical issues.

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Eating disorders | Professional treatment and training | The National Centre

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We believe that you have the right to get the best help from someone who cares and understands. We believe that therapists deserve the best training and ongoing support to empower their work. This is our mission for people with anorexia, bulimia, binge and compulsive eating, body image issues, weight struggles and for the people who serve them.

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Grief can feel especially magnified during the festive period, and isn't only related to bereavement. We can miss people, places, or parts of our lives.

Kooth and Qwell offer articles, peer support, and professional help for children, young people, and adults navigating these complex feelings.

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Filerobot sharebox used for showing and collaborating different users together on shared files.

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We are a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LGBT Foundation – A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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Sleepio is a six-week clinically proven programme used to treat insomnia, available free on the NHS.

# data[].attributes.headline
Feel Better, Live More: Dr Rangan Chatterejee

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Feel Better, Live More: Dr Rangan Chatterejee

# data[].attributes.body
My mission is to help create a more compassionate world by empowering you to be the architect of your own health and happiness, by simplifying complex health information and inspiring meaningful lifestyle change.

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Feel Better, Live More Podcast Episodes / Dr Chatterjee

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Explore all episodes of Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s podcast, featuring expert interviews and discussions on health and wellbeing.

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OU Free course: Developing career resilience

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OU Free course: Developing career resilience

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developing career resilience | openlearn

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Do you sometimes wish you were more resilient when faced with changes at work? Do you have career plans but feel unsure about progressing with them? If you do, then this free course, Developing ...

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💚 You were always enough - Hosted by Alex Partridge - New episode every Tuesday.

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"business tips" "business advice" "stock market" "stock market beginners" "crypto beginners" "how to start a business" "business beginners"

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Hosted by Alex Partridge New episode every Tuesday.

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What’s your 5-minute mood boost?
A hot cinnamon latte in my garden with a few minutes of peace and quiet always helps me reset and recharge.

What always makes you laugh, no matter what?
My daughter’s silly jokes, funny little games, and the random things she comes out with always make me laugh, no matter what kind of day I’m having.

What inspired you to join the Wellbeing Team, or what do you enjoy most about it?
Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about supporting people, so joining the Wellbeing Team at CSR felt like a natural fit. I loved being able to support individuals not only academically, but personally too, while continuing to develop my knowledge around mental health and wellbeing. I was later given the opportunity to lead the Wellbeing Team, and I’ve loved continuing to grow the support we offer while helping to further embed wellbeing into the heart of CSR culture.

What’s your role at CSR, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’m the Learner Support Lead at CSR. My role is all about making sure learners feel supported throughout their journey with us, whether that’s academically, emotionally, or personally. I work across learner support, SEND support, wellbeing, and safeguarding, helping individuals overcome challenges and feel confident in achieving their goals. What I enjoy most is being able to work closely with people and seeing them grow, thrive, and succeed both during their programme and beyond.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-rafiq

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What hobby or activity helps you switch off? Reading or taking my dog, Albert, out for a walk.

What’s your 5-minute mood boost? Drinking a hot cup of tea.. in silence.

What inspired you to join the Wellbeing Team or what do you enjoy most about it? I originally set up the Wellbeing Team in 2021 to create a supportive, safe space for both learners and staff, especially when they’re going through challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. Since 2022, Kayleigh has led the team (absolutely fantastically), while I’ve continued to support from an HR and staff-focused perspective. I stepped back into this role to help ensure we’re offering the right level of support to both staff and learners, and to contribute to creating a positive working culture where people feel genuinely looked after.

What’s your role at CSR, and what do you enjoy most about it? I’m a People and Recruitment Advisor, and what I enjoy most is being able to support employees throughout important life events, whether that’s maternity, paternity, menopause, or other experiences such as being a working parent or carer, navigating menopause, living with a disability, or managing their mental health and wellbeing. I also enjoy contributing to the organisation’s growth, particularly in strengthening our culture and ensuring we continue to develop in line with employment law.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-walch-8a5357287

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What song instantly lifts your mood?

Blue Skies by Ella Fitzgerald

What’s your comfort TV show or film?

Schitt’s Creek or Ghosts are my go-to comfort programmes.

What inspired you to join the Wellbeing Team, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I joined the Wellbeing Team because I like helping people feel supported and included, and the part I enjoy most is being part of something that encourages people to look after themselves and each other, and it’s really rewarding to see the impact that can have.

What’s your role at CSR, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am the Enrolment Officer her at CSR and the best part of the job is meeting the learners and supporting them through the onboarding process.

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What always makes you laugh, no matter what?

My partner and kids - always doing something funny.

What’s your comfort TV show or film?

Right now, Thomas the Tank.

What inspired you to join the Wellbeing Team, or what do you enjoy most about it?

I wanted to better understand people and the situations they are facing so I can approach things with as much positivity, empathy, and perspective as possible. I also try to support and help where I can, especially when someone may be struggling or in need of understanding.

What’s your role at CSR, and what do you enjoy most about it?

As Head of Vocational Achievement, I am responsible for developing, delivering, and continuously improving the CSR provision across the organisation. I oversee all aspects of competence support, ensuring that apprentices, Vocational Skills Coaches, and the wider organisation are equipped to deliver and maintain outstanding training programmes. My role focuses on creating high-quality learning experiences, supporting professional development, and driving positive outcomes to ensure every apprentice has the best possible opportunity to succeed. What I enjoy most about this role is the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s development and future careers. I value being able to support apprentices in building confidence, skills, and competence, while also helping VSCs and colleagues grow and deliver high-quality programmes. Seeing learners succeed, overcome challenges, and achieve positive outcomes is incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy contributing to a supportive environment where both individuals and the organisation can continue to improve and thrive.

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What’s your comfort TV show or film?

My comfort shows vary depending on my mood, Gilmore Girls for cosy comfort, Sherlock for quirky goodness. Anything with a good murder mystery, especially if there is an unexpected twist!

What hobby or activity helps you switch off?

Hobbies that help me switch off are knitting, junk journaling and painting (landscapes).

What inspired you to join the Wellbeing Team, or what do you enjoy most about it?

I am a newbie to the wellbeing team. I wanted to join for the past 2 years, as I have found myself working with learners who needed the extra support, and I have finally made the jump to being an official member!

What’s your role at CSR, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am the Program lead for the Level 3 Lab Technician Standard, Level 3 Science Manufacturing standard and the Level 5 Technician Scientist Standard. I love working with all my learners, finding out what makes them tick and helping them achieve.

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To provide menopause education, information, guidance and support for those experiencing menopause, and those who know and love them, and to campaign for better menopause care and support for all.

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Too many women are suffering in silence

To significantly improve menopause education amongst GP's - far too many women are suffering as GP's receive very little, if any menopause education during their training leaving them poorly-equipped to recognise and manage a phase of life that will directly affect at least 50% of the population.

To raise awareness within the workplace and for all employers to have menopause guidelines in place to be able to support women experiencing symptoms. Too many women feel unsupported at work and currently 1 in 10 leave the workplace due to menopause symptoms.

Already achieved: To introduce menopause education in to the PSHE curriculum for all teenage boys and girls. Everybody deserves to understand this phase of life. Far too many individuals and relationships suffer as a result of a lack of understanding of menopause.

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menopausesupport.co.uk - Supporting You Through Change

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Too many women are suffering in silence To significantly improve menopause education amongst GP's - far too many women are suffering as GP's receive very little, if any menopause education during their training leaving them poorly-equipped to recognise and manage a phase of life that will directly affect at least 50% of the population.

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With a trainer guiding you through your headphones, you'll start with a mix of running and walking to ease you in. You can still play your favourite music in the background as you go.

In the first week, you'll start with 1-minute runs, followed by a 90 second walk, going at a pace that feels right for you. Each week you'll run a little more.

As the weeks go on, you'll build up your stamina and confidence and by the end you'll be running for 30 minutes without stopping.

You can complete the program in 9 weeks or longer, depending on what works best for you.

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Get running with Couch to 5K - Better Health

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NHS Couch to 5K will help you get off the couch and gradually work you up to running 5km in just 9 weeks.

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If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.
The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.

Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing can make your problems worse.

Some of the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting a positive outlook.

What you can do to address stress

Try these 10 stress-busting suggestions:

Be active

Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.

For more advice, read about exercise for depression.
Get started with exercise
Take control

If you think you cannot do anything about your problem, your stress can get worse.

That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing.

The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.

Connect with people

A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.

The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.

Talking things through with a friend may also help you find solutions to your problems.

Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.

Have some "me time"

Many of us work long hours, meaning we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy.

It's important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise.

You could try setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work.

Challenge yourself

Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.

It can also make you want to do things and be active.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping.

They might provide temporary relief, but in the long term, these crutches won't solve your problems. They'll just create new ones.

It's best to tackle the cause of your stress.

Help other people

Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, often become more resilient.

If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something as small as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
Find out more about giving for mental wellbeing
Work smarter, not harder

Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that'll make a real difference.

Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that you will not have time for everything.
Get tips on how to manage your time better
Try to be positive

Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful.

Try writing down 3 things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.

Accept the things you can't change

Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over.

For example, if your company is making redundancies, you could focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.

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How to beat stress, including exercise, taking control, social networks, work-life balance, and being positive.

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Helping you to take care of your mental wellbeing.

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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National charity helping you help yourself.

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📞 03444 775 774

🗨️ Online Support

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National charity helping people with Anxiety - Anxiety UK

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Become a Member of Anxiety UK. We pride ourselves on being user led, with many on our staff and volunteer team having personal experience of anxiety.

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Call 0808 8020 133. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.

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GamCare - Founder of the National Gambling Helpline

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The National Gambling Helpline provides free support for anyone affected by gambling harms in Great Britain.

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How to talk about your mental health - Every Mind Matters

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It can be difficult to talk about your mental health. Our practical steps will help you start a conversation with someone you trust.

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We’re the suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives.

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📞 0800 58 58 58

🗨️ Live Chat

📱WhatsApp

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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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We're the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and we're uniting the UK against suicide.

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📧 pat@papyrus-uk.org

📞 0800 068 4141

📱 88247

🗨️ Live Chat

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Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

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PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

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We are the UK’s largest mental health support directory.

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Whether you want to find a service to help you feel better or you want to support someone who is struggling, we can help.

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Supporting and advocating for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP) - a severe but treatable mental illness that begins in the days and weeks after giving birth.

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The charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis

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Supporting and advocating for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP) - a severe but treatable mental illness that begins in the days and weeks after giving birth.

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FRANK - Honest information about drug

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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We are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Meetings are the most important part of Gamblers Anonymous. - NO APPOINTMENT IS NEEDED, JUST TURN UP!

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Gamblers Anonymous – England, Wales & Ulster

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Meeting Types • Main Meetings ‐ These meetings are where compulsive gamblers sit together and help each other through the difficulties of compulsive gambling. There are no counsellors or professionals, just compulsive gamblers. • Mixed Meetings ‐ These meetings are the same as main meetings, but family members and friends are welcome. • Newcomers Meetings ‐ These meetings are ideal if you are new to stopping gambling. They are the same as main meetings, but more focussed towards newcomers. • Step Meetings ‐ These meetings are better-suited for those who have abstained from gambling for some time. They are focussed on the Twelve Steps of Recovery. • Women-preferred Meetings ‐ Any compulsive gambler may attend these meetings, but they are more suitable for women. • LGBTQ+ Meetings ‐ Any compulsive gambler may attend these meetings, but they are more suitable LGBTQ+ community. • Open Meetings ‐ Most Groups hold at least one open meeting each year. These are where compulsive gamblers gather with their friends and families to receive recognition for abstaining from gambling for a number of years.

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However gambling is making you feel right now, we can help.

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If you're worried about how gambling makes you or someone else feel, we can help

Our short quiz takes a few minutes to complete and will start to give you an insight into how gambling might be affecting you, or someone you care about. Once complete, you will be provided with tailored support should you want it.

Suitable if you're gambling, or if you're here for someone else

Get advice and content tailored to you

Access free and confidential support

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GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction

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Free, confidential help and support to anyone who’s worried about their – or someone else’s – gambling. If gambling’s on your mind, we’re here to help.

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We are Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom & Channel Islands. 

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If you have a problem with drugs, we are recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean.

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For over 30 years OCD Action has been delivering frontline services which make a tangible and long-term difference to the lives of people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.

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The UK's Largest OCD Charity

For over 25 years OCD Action has been delivering frontline services which make a tangible and long-term difference to the lives of people with OCD, their families, carers and friends. OCD Action has a vision of a time when OCD is well understood and everyone gets the treatment and the support they need, when they need it.
With the OCD community, we are fighting for this.

OCD is serious and debilitating, but it is treatable with the right support

The demand for our services has never been greater. WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE ARE ABLE TO HELP EVEN MORE PEOPLE LIVING WITH OCD.
PLEASE DONATE TODAY
Donate

Latest News

What's new at OCD Action

Our Response to The King's Speech
7th November 2023

Today's King's Speech omitted any mention of the Mental Health Bill, a significant piece of legislation vital for the protection and treatment of people experiencing mental health crises in the UK. Here's why it matters.

2023 National Conference
21st July 2023

Tickets are now on sale for the OCD Action 2023 National Conference! Join us in Central London on Saturday 7th October for a day of cutting edge research, expert insights... Continue reading.

Service Improvement Survey
30th June 2023

Are you a person of colour living with OCD or a related condition? We'd love to hear from you. Have your voice heard by taking our survey and helping us to improve our services. Find out more.

More news

Upcoming Events

LONDON LANDMARKS 2024

calling all runners to take part in this exciting half marathon IN LONDON!

Limited places are now available for this uplifting and beautiful run through the sights of London!

Starting at Trafalgar Square, passing St Paul's and the City, and finishing at Westminster, this race is always a festival of sights and sounds. Don't miss out - sign up today!

Date: Sunday 3rd April 2024
Entry fee: £40
Fundraising target: £350

Get involved!

Latest Tweets

OCD Action's Vision

OCD Action works for a society where OCD is better understood and diagnosed quickly, where appropriate treatment options are open and accessible, where support and information is readily available and where nobody feels ashamed to ask for help.

We are here because OCD tears families apart and leaves people isolated and exhausted. OCD ruins lives. It is a sad fact that many people with OCD delay seeking help. They put up with it for too long, perhaps thinking that nothing can be done or just not knowing where to turn. OCD Action believes in taking action. We want people affected by OCD to seek help, to understand their treatment options and find the support and motivation they need to fight back. OCD is treatable, it can get better.

Correspondence Address

Suite 506-507 Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7ET. Registered charity No: 1154202.

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THE UK'S LARGEST OCD CHARITY. We provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD. You are not alone - reach out for support today.

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We know that everyone's goals are different, whether that's making small changes or finding new ways to stay safe and healthy.

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We are a charity that offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health

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Helping men escape domestic abuse

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Charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse through a helpline, directory of local services and general information on the website.

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Information and support on domestic abuse

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I need help - information and support on domestic abuse

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Women's Aid Live Chat does your relationship not feel right? It could be domestic abuse. Send an email to a Women's Aid domestic abuse support worker. Help for all aspects of domestic abuse, suc...

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We provide peer support services to empower people affected by bipolar to live well

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Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers.

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Free online mental health course: supporting other people

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Free online mental health course: supporting other people

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Do you want to be there for someone who's having a hard time, but worry about what to say?

Try our free online course, called Conversations in the Community. It builds your confidence in having everyday conversations about mental health and wellbeing. So you can be there for your friends, family, and others in your community.

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Mind’s free online course to help you support others

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You’ll build confidence in how to have conversations about mental health and wellbeing, to be there for others in your community.

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Improve your mental health with our Mind Plan

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Improve your mental health with our Mind Plan

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Improve and maintain your mental health

If you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, this simple mental health quiz can help. It generates a personalised plan based on the information you provide.

If you want help to deal with anxiety or low mood, tips to reduce stress or advice on how to fall asleep faster and sleep better, start the quiz above.

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Take our quick, 5-question quiz for personalised tips and advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Update your plan any time for new tips.

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What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talking therapy that aims to change the way we think (cognition) and act (behaviour) in order to help cope with and manage problems we may face in our lives.

It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are closely linked and influence each other.

If we have unhelpful thoughts and feelings, this can lead to unhelpful behaviour, which can turn into a vicious cycle of further negative thoughts and so on.

CBT aims to help us learn to recognise these unhelpful patterns, and break down and approach problems in a different way to improve how we feel.

Does CBT work?

When practised with a therapist, CBT has been shown to be clinically effective in improving anxiety, low mood, stress and sleep problems, as well as many other mental and some physical health conditions.

In this section, you will find CBT-inspired self-help strategies, techniques and guidance you can try.

For more information or if you feel you need further support, including how to refer yourself for CBT with a therapist, visit talking therapies and counselling on the NHS website.

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Online self-help CBT techniques - Every Mind Matters

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Find out what CBT is, watch video guides, and try a range of structured self-help techniques to help you boost your mental wellbeing.

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One of the best things we can do for our mental health and wellbeing is to be active - it's a natural mood booster.

Our bodies release feel-good hormones when we're active that can also reduce anxiety and stress, and help us sleep better.

There are lots of free and affordable ways to get moving for all ages and levels of physical ability, including our Couch to 5K and Active 10 apps, so we can all benefit.

Find out more about the mental health benefits of physical activity and ways to get moving.

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Be active for your mental health - Every Mind Matters

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Find out about the benefits of physical activity for your mental health and ways to get moving to boost your mood.

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Most of us worry and feel anxious at some point in our lives. But when anxiety has a big impact on our lives, it can become a mental health problem.

We're here for you. Our resources can help you understand what you're going through. And find options for help and support.

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Anxiety problems | Types of mental health problems | Mind

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Find out about anxiety problems. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments. Read our tips for managing anxiety or supporting someone else with anxiety.

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Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.
Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong - it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.

These pages are about depression in adults. Read about depression in children and young people.

How to tell if you have depression

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.

The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.

When to see a doctor

It's important to seek help from a GP if you think you may be depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

What causes depression?

Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.

Read more about the causes of depression

Treating depression

Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on how severe your depression is.

If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and guided self-help.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may also be used for mild depression.

For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine.

Living with depression

Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking and eating healthily.

Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile. They can help you gain a better understanding about what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your experiences with others in a similar situation can also be very supportive.

Social care and support guide

If you:

need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability

care for someone regularly because they're ill or disabled, or because of their age - including family members

Our social care and support guide explains your options and where you can get support.

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Read about depression in adults, including how to tell if you're depressed, the treatments for different severities of depression, and how making lifestyle changes can help.

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Helping you to take care of your mental wellbeing

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Helping you to take care of your mental wellbeing

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We all have times when we feel low, anxious or overwhelmed and it's not always easy to know what to do to feel better.

Here, you can find what works for you. We'll show you simple and practical ways to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood and sleep better.

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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Learn how you can be mentally healthy at work, with suggestions for what you can do and where you can get support if you experience poor mental health.

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Stress is something everyone feels at times, especially when dealing with change or life challenges, such as money worries, work issues or relationship problems.

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Find out about the symptoms of stress, possible causes and ways to manage stress. Plus get your self-care plan with tips and advice.

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Stress is something everyone feels at times, especially when dealing with change or life challenges, such as money worries, work issues or relationship problems.

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Find out about the symptoms of stress, possible causes and ways to manage stress. Plus get your self-care plan with tips and advice.