Self-help for good mental health
It is normal to sometimes feel anxious or low, whatever your personal situation. There are steps you can take to try and improve your mental health
This page signposts ways that you can help yourself. If you continue to have concerns about your mental health, please visit Mental health services and support.
Self-help mental health resources
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters offers simple steps to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing:
Health In Mind resources
- Videos and other resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing.
Mindfulness
- NHS mindfulness gives you an introduction to mindfulness and links to resources.
National Mind
- National Mind has general information and support, and also suggests 8 relaxation tips for your mental wellbeing.
Walking for wellbeing
East Sussex 123 Walks
Exercise and getting out into green spaces if you can is good for your wellbeing. This site has short walking routes between 1 and 3 miles, with printer friendly maps and reasonable parking.
- Website: 123 Walks
East Sussex Health Walks
These are weekly walks all over East Sussex, and an opportunity to meet people and get some exercise in the great outdoors.
- Website: East Sussex Health Walks
Dealing with loneliness
National Mind and Every Mind Matters have advice and tips, and other places you can go for support.
Just Friends
Several free social groups across East Sussex for anyone who lives alone, offering an opportunity for friendship through activities including lunches, trips and walking groups.
- Email: info@just-friends.uk
- Website: Just Friends via 1Space
Phone services for wellbeing support
The Silver Line
A free, confidential telephone service for older people. Open 24/7.
- Freephone: 0800 4708090
- Website: The Silver Line
Independent Age
An advice and support service for older people. Open weekdays, 8.30am to 6.30pm.
- Freephone: 0800 3196789
- Website: Independent Age
Mobilise Cuppa (for all carers)
Join other carers for a virtual cuppa and supportive chats twice a week. There is also lots of helpful information on their resources page.
- Register to join: Mobilise
Farming Community Network helpline:
A national helpline for farmers which offers a chance to talk to someone who understands the challenges. You can call between 7am and 11pm every day if you need help with stress, depression, alcohol or drug dependency, isolation or have other worries.
- Phone: 03000 111999
- Website: FCN Helpline
Wellbeing in East Sussex project
Workshops and information to support positive mental wellbeing, and awareness and understanding of mental health. The service works with young people and people who may be disadvantaged, but is open to anyone living in East Sussex.
- Website: Wellbeing in East Sussex
Men’s mental health
Men's Health library resources
East Sussex Libraries share a collection of online tools and resources to support men's mental health and wellbeing.
- Website: East Sussex Libraries
Room to Rant (16-25s) rap and lyric workshops
A relaxed weekly space for young men to rap and get stuff off their chest, run by experienced and accomplished rappers. Now running in Eastbourne, with an online group for those who can't meet in person.
- Website Room to Rant
Mankind Support Group
Mankind was set up in 2020 by Eastbourne friends to help support men who have mental health worries, or just need someone to talk to without judgement.
- Website Mankind
Men's Sheds
Local spaces for men to connect, make friends and enjoy activities. There are groups all over East Sussex.
- Website: Men's Sheds
Take Action Man
A nature based men's activity and support group in Hastings, offering the opportunity to get outside in the town’s wonderful natural spaces. Get active, learn new skills and spend time together, talking, supporting and helping one another.
- Website: Take Action Man Project Rewild
Men in Mind project
Helping public facing staff to have supportive conversations about men's mental health.
Podcasts about men's mental health
- UK Men's mental health podcasts aiming to get men talking about mental health more: Manup!
National Peer Support Services
Side by Side (offered through national Mind)
A supportive online community, where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand what you are going through. It's open to anybody who has an experience of mental health problems, or is closely connected to someone that has. It’s available 24/7 and moderated daily from 8.30am until midnight.
To join: Side by Side
Clic online peer support
Clic is an online community of people who have been affected by a mental health problem, where you can share experiences and find resources, advice and information.
Libraries services
East Sussex Libraries have pages on wellbeing with lots of resources and signposting. If you live or work in East Sussex you can also access free e-books and audiobooks.
Our libraries offer self-help books for people who are finding it difficult to cope or need advice on a specific emotional or mental health problem.
- Library service and self-help books
- List of recommended books and e-books for mental health and wellbeing
East Sussex College open courses
ESG offers adults (19 plus) community learning opportunities which are usually free and online. You might want to boost your wellbeing by trying something new and creative or improving your employability.
- Website for latest course information: Community Learning
