We all need support sometimes

This page serves as a comprehensive hub for all the ways AFT can link you with and provide support for your mental health. Whether you are looking for helplines, professional services, self-help tools, or informative articles, you'll find a wealth of valuable content designed to guide you through your mental health journey. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and connections necessary to foster well-being and resilience.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, it is important to seek immediate support. Please be aware that AFT is not a crisis support organisation.

If you find yourself in urgent need, contact emergency services by calling 999, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.

Alternatively, you can call 999 visit your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

Your wellbeing is a priority, and there are professionals available to help you.

Are you in crisis?

How can we help?

Therapists

Discover affordable mental health support through our directory, where you can access a curated list of therapists at discounted rates. While our platform, AFT, does not provide therapy directly, we connect you with industry-informed professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care. Choose from a variety of specialists tailored to meet your needs—all while benefiting from reduced fees designed to make therapy more accessible. 

Coaches

Explore coaching options via our directory, showcasing a selection of coaches offering their services at lowered rates. Although AFT does not directly offer coaching, we facilitate connections with knowledgeable professionals in the field to guarantee you access to top-notch support. Select from a range of specialists customised to address your specific requirements—all while taking advantage of lower fees aimed at enhancing the accessibility of coaching services.

Resources

Our website is a comprehensive hub filled with a vast array of resources and links to various organisations within the arts sector, all aimed at supporting your mental health. Whether you seek general support or more tailored assistance, you can explore a wealth of information curated specifically for you. Navigate to the "individuals" menu tab above to discover valuable insights, tools, and connections that can help you on your journey towards improved mental well-being. 

Find mental health support near you…

Visit the Hub of Hope for mental health support. This directory connects users with local UK services, charities, and support groups. The user-friendly platform allows searches by location and needs. Whether seeking immediate help or information, Hub of Hope links you to essential mental health resources for community support.

Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques are strategies designed to help individuals reconnect with the present moment, particularly during times of stress or anxiety. These techniques involve engaging the senses or focusing on one's surroundings to help divert attention from overwhelming thoughts or feelings. They can include practices such as deep breathing, counting objects in a room, or using mindfulness exercises. Grounding techniques are helpful because they can provide immediate relief from distress, enhance emotional regulation, and promote a sense of stability and safety, enabling individuals to better cope with challenging situations.

  • The five sense grounding technique is a simple yet effective method used to bring awareness to the present moment by engaging the senses. It involves identifying and acknowledging five things that can be seen, four things that can be felt, three sounds that can be heard, two things that can be smelled, and one thing that can be tasted. This approach helps to anchor individuals in their current surroundings, providing a break from anxiety or overwhelming thoughts. By focusing on these sensory experiences, one can cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, aiding in emotional regulation and increasing mindfulness.

  • The alphabet game is a grounding technique often used to help manage anxiety and enhance focus. It involves participants identifying objects, animals, or any relevant category beginning with each letter of the alphabet, sequentially from A to Z. By concentrating on the specifics of each letter, individuals can redirect their thoughts away from distressing emotions or overwhelming situations, fostering a sense of control and mindfulness. This technique not only aids in distraction but also encourages creative thinking and engagement with the environment, making it a versatile tool for emotional regulation.

  • Physically grounding ourselves can be achieved through various methods that engage our body and senses. Movement, such as walking barefoot on grass or engaging in gentle stretching, helps to reconnect with the earth and enhance body awareness. Touching different textures, whether it be the roughness of a stone or the softness of fabric, encourages mindfulness and presence. Engaging the senses further, we can focus on smells, sounds, and sights around us, like the rustling of leaves or the warmth of sunlight on our skin. Additionally, employing cognitive techniques, such as counting our breaths or naming five things we can see, can anchor our thoughts and enhance our connection with the present moment. These practices collectively foster a sense of stability and calm amidst the distractions of daily life.

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Mental Health Apps

  • Headspace

    Headspace

    Headspace is a leading meditation app that improves mental wellbeing with guided sessions and courses on stress, sleep, and focus for all levels. Its user-friendly design lets users tailor their practice to their lifestyles. By fostering awareness and compassion, Headspace helps build mental resilience and find calm. Experience meditation's benefits for a clearer, balanced mind.

  • Calm Harm

    Calm Harm

    Calm Harm is a mental health app that helps users manage self-harm urges. It provides coping strategies and activities to redirect emotions into healthier outlets. With six task categories, including distraction and comfort, the app offers support during tough times. Users can track progress and build resilience, making it a helpful resource for managing difficult feelings.

  • Calm

    Calm

    Calm is a mindfulness app that helps manage stress and improve mental well-being through meditation, sleep stories, and soothing sounds. Its user-friendly interface offers guided sessions for various experience levels and needs, focusing on topics like anxiety, focus, and relaxation. Calm serves as a versatile tool for emotional resilience and tranquility in a fast-paced world, providing a peaceful escape for mindfulness or sleep.

  • Cove

    Cove

    Cove is a user-friendly app that enhances mental well-being through creative expression. It encourages users to capture thoughts and feelings via music, imagery, and journaling, providing a safe space for reflection and emotional exploration. Cove supports understanding emotions and documenting daily experiences, fostering mental health management and creativity.

  • Nerva

    Nerva

    Nerva is a mobile app that enhances mental well-being through mindfulness and meditation. It provides guided sessions, relaxation techniques, and personalized recommendations to help users manage stress, improve focus, and find calm. Its intuitive interface and evidence-based content support emotional resilience and mental health improvement.

  • Breathe With James

    Breathe With James

    To Breathe with James is an app that enhances mindfulness and relaxation through guided breathing exercises, meditative sessions, and calming sounds. It supports all experience levels, aiming to reduce stress and promote well-being. Embrace mindful breathing for a healthier lifestyle.

  • Daylio

    Daylio

    Daylio is a micro-diary and mood-tracking app that lets users log thoughts and emotions simply. By selecting moods and activities, it reveals patterns over time, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. Its user-friendly interface and customizable features facilitate daily reflections, enhancing mental well-being and life quality. Checking in with oneself is easy with Daylio.

  • Clear Fear

    Clear Fear

    Clear Fear is an app that helps users manage anxiety and fear. It offers tailored coping strategies, interactive exercises, and mindfulness techniques to empower users in controlling their emotions. The fear tracker helps identify triggers and monitor progress. With a user-friendly interface and evidence-based methods, Clear Fear is a valuable tool for building resilience and promoting calm.

Supporting Someone Else…

Supporting someone with mental health difficulties involves providing understanding, compassion, and patience. It means being present to listen to their experiences without judgment and acknowledging their struggles as valid. Offering practical help, such as assisting with daily tasks or encouraging them to seek professional help, can also be beneficial. Ultimately, it is about creating a safe space where they feel respected and valued, ensuring they know they are not alone in their journey. It’s also important to take care of yourself when you are trying to support someone else.