For immediate help: 999 Emergency Services
Free / Downloadable Mental Health Resources & Toolkits
Mental Health & Wellbeing
– Mental Health UK – Downloadable Resources
Guides on mental health conditions, wellbeing tools, anxiety management, burnout, sleep etc; conversation guides (how to talk about mental health or suicide).
*For people with anxiety, stress, sleep issues, burnout; also for friends, family or carers who want guidance on supportive conversations.*
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/downloadable-resources/
– NHS – Guides, Tools & Activities
Range of self-help guides: breathing for stress, exercise for depression, ‘5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing’, audio guides, and more.
*For people with low mood, depression, mild anxiety, stress, or those seeking early self-help interventions.*
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/
– Red Cross – Self-Kindness Toolkit
Toolkit with activities for resilience, stress management, mindfulness, and sleep.
*For people feeling lonely, stressed, anxious, or recovering from mental health challenges.*
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-with-loneliness/wellbeing-support/self-kindness-toolkit
– Every Mind Matters (Public Health England) Resource Centre
Digital hub and ‘Mind Plan’ tool with free campaign materials and tips for mental health and workplace wellbeing.
*For general population; those wanting to build or maintain good mental health; people in workplace or remote work situations.*
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
PTSD / Trauma
– PTSD & CPTSD Self-Help Guide (Livewell Southwest)
PDF self-help guide to understand and manage mild-to-moderate PTSD or Complex PTSD; includes coping strategies.
*For those experiencing trauma symptoms, intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, or whose lives are impacted by previous traumatic events.*
https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/moodjuice-PTSD-Booklet.pdf
– PTSD Self-Help (Combat Stress)
PDF resources for grounding, coping with flashbacks and strong emotions.
*For veterans, ex-military personnel, or anyone with PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, panic, or strong emotional reactions.*
https://selfhelp.combatstress.org.uk/downloads/ptsd.pdf
– PTSD UK – Safety Plan Worksheet
Printable safety plan to identify warning signs, trusted contacts, affirmations etc.
*For people with PTSD or C-PTSD who need a structured plan for when they feel overwhelmed or triggered.*
https://www.ptsduk.org/safety-plan-worksheet/
– Trauma Research UK – Resources
Guides, tools, and free PDFs covering aspects of trauma recovery.
*For people with trauma histories, PTSD/CPTSD symptoms, or carers and professionals seeking evidence based tools.*
https://traumaresearchuk.org/resources/
Young People & Education
– Anna Freud Centre – Free Resources for Schools and Colleges
Toolkits, lesson plans, animations, and wellbeing materials for students, school/college staff, and families.
*For young people (primary, secondary, further education), teachers, school staff, and parents concerned with student wellbeing.*
https://www.annafreud.org/resources/schools-and-colleges/
Further Reading
– West Sussex Mental Health Needs Assessment 2024
This all-age needs assessment offers a comprehensive analysis and insight into the current and future mental health and wellbeing needs of our local population across West Sussex. CAPITAL contributed to this work.
https://jsna.westsussex.gov.uk/updates/public-mental-health-needs-assessment-2024/