In this section we have highlighted just a few of the many amazing websites, apps and books out there to help and support those suffering with mental health issues. If you come across any good resources do email us and let us know what you have found.
Bristol-Focused Organisations
Well Aware
Well Aware provides information on organisations, support groups and community groups/events/activities that can improve your health and wellbeing in Bristol/South Glos.
Vitaminds
Bristol Mental Health Services - North Somerset & South Gloucestershire (vitahealthgroup.co.uk)
For those suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive worry or low mood. VitaMinds is a self referral service that works in partnership with the NHS to offer a range of short-term psychological therapies to adults 16-years and over, who live and are registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Also has self help resources, guidance and information.
BBC Headroom
A general mental health ‘tool kit’. Got loads of mindful tips, personal stories, motivation and music mood mixes or relaxing soundscapes. It’s surprisingly good!
Mental Health UK
Mental Health UK - Forward Together (mentalhealth-uk.org)
Charity whose website includes access to local support groups, general mental health advice, along with that for the most common mental health conditions.
Useful sections on money management and returning to work post covid along with podcasts on mental health issues
Mind
Mind provides advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am - 6pm) and Webchat available.
Samaritans
Include tips on how to look after your mental health. Now have a dedicated helpline for NHS and social care workers - 0800 069 6222
Also a crisis helpline if you are feeling in particular need.
Call free on : 116 123
Students
https://www.studentmindsblog.co.uk/
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
The above blog share a range of experiences, with students and recent graduates sharing personal experiences with specific mental health difficulties, the actions they are taking to create change and how to tackle different challenges at university and navigate university and graduate life.
Christian websites for mental health and well-being
Mind and Soul Foundation
https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org/
Really good Christian website that aims to help people meet with God and recover from emotional distress. Mind and Soul Foundation also aims to share the best of Cristian theology and scientific advances around mental health.
The YouTube Channel has lots of good videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrdu0_6OAQ9YBaEGu-VTZBQ
The Sanctuary
https://www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org/
We provide resources that meaningfully engage the topics of faith and mental health. Our content is developed in collaboration with theologians, psychologists, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. These resources prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental wellbeing.
Check out the Sanctuary Course for small groups:
The Sanctuary Course is a study guide for small groups, designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local churches regarding mental health.
M3ND
The M3ND Project aims to provide healing and support for all those touched by domestic abuse. The M3ND Project offers a comprehensive pathway for victims in their various communities to access empowering tools while supporting alleged perpetrators in finding proper accountability.
Called to Peace
https://www.calledtopeace.org/
Called to Peace Ministries exists to provide a compassionate, comprehensive, and Christ-centered response to those impacted by domestic abuse.
Other Apps
Headspace App
Recommended by NHS - has ‘meditations’ on everything from managing stress and everyday anxiety to sleep, focus and mind-body health.
Soultime App
Recommended by Archbishop J Welby - Offers meditations for Anxiety, sleep and stress as well as tools to help you understand your moods and personality. Includes a mood checker, scripture and guided meditations
Lectio365 App
24/7 prayer devotional App which now has a new calming night-time prayers section helping you to reflect, rejoice, repent and rest each evening to process the day and prepare to sleep.
Some Recommended Books
Hope in an anxious world
Helen Thorne, The Good Book Company
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/hope-in-an-anxious-world
Short, sympathetic and warm book will help both Christian and non-Christian readers understand anxiety better, learn some useful techniques to cope with it and, most importantly, show how the living God can liberate us from its grip.
Joy in the Sorrow
How a Thriving Church (and its Pastor) Learned to Suffer Well
This is the moving story of Matt's battle with a potentially fatal brain tumour. But it's also the stories of those who taught him, and teach him, how to walk with joy in sorrow.
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/joy-in-the-sorrow-1
Living without Worry
How to replace anxiety with peace
Practical help to identify when our godly concern turns into sinful worry and how we can use Scripture to cast our concerns upon the Lord.
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/living-without-worry
Good and Angry
Letting go of anger, irritation, complaining and bitterness
This is both our model for change and our power to change. We go to our heavenly Father for help. We look closely at the roots of our anger. And we learn a new way, a redemptive way, of handling life when it goes wrong and gets on our last nerve.
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/good-and-angry
I Love Jesus, But I Want To Die
In I Love Jesus, but I Want to Die, author and experienced ministry leader Sarah J. Robinson offers fresh perspective to the Church and life-giving hope for those who live with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Robinson shares proven tools and simple practices that empower readers to fight for wholeness, giving them the confidence that they are not alone in their suffering and they are worth whatever it takes to get well.
Grace for the Afflicted
Matthew S Stanford
Grace for the Afflicted is written to educate Christians about mental illness from both biblical and scientific perspectives. Stanford presents insights into our physical and spiritual nature and discusses the appropriate role of psychology and psychiatry in the life of the believer.
Websites for Specific areas of need:
Self harm
Information from the NHS on self-harm
LifeSIGNS
LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support) is an online, user-led voluntary organisation, founded to create understanding about self-injury and provide information and support to people of all ages affected by self-injury
Anxiety
Information on anxiety and its types. Helpline, text support, courses and groups, webinars and information on helping others.
Free Clear fear App for 11-19 year olds that help manage anxiety
Grief
Cruz Bereavement Care
Cruz in Bristol is a trusted specialist bereavement charity with experts with experience in all types of loss, offering support however and whenever the death occurred.
Charity run by the bereaved for the bereaved. Bring bereavement services together, providing tailored support for anyone who has been bereaved to move forward with their lives.
Care and support through terminal illness | Marie Curie
Free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.
