4 totally free mental health resources for a brighter 2024

We’ve all been there. Needlessly doom-scrolling, when we stumble upon an app or resource advertised as ‘free’. 

So we make the effort to download it. Then go through the ‘ugh’ of signing away our personal details - only to find out the parts we need sit behind a paywall. 

For folks looking for support with their own or a loved one's mental health, this deceptive marketing can leave you with a bad taste. Throw in the cost of living crisis, and you have a group of people who simply cannot afford the help they need.

In this article, you’ll find a bunch of totally free resources that you can access whenever you need them. From toolkits to anonymous listening services, With Empathy scoured the internet for wellbeing resources to help you comfortably ease into the new year.

Qwell

What is it: Qwell is a digital platform that offers users free access to professional support, an interactive community and handy well being related tools.

What does it do: Opening Qwell, you’ll find a daily journal tool, similar to paid platforms like Betterhelp. You’re encouraged to record your feelings, and entries are reviewed to ensure users get the support they need. 

If that sounds a little intrusive, Qwell is completely anonymous. This means you’ll only ever be contacted through the platform and your details won't be used elsewhere.

Quell’s main benefit is its chat function - giving you free access to professional support from a team of accredited practitioners. You’ll also find a forum for shared user discussion, alongside a ton of articles and activities relevant to different areas of wellbeing.

How can it help you: Quell is a great shout for people who may not be able to afford paid therapy options. Sure, it doesn’t offer the consistency of therapy - but with Qwell’s Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners (EWP), users can get qualified support and guidance without long wait times or needing a referral. 

Qwell’s forums also offer insight and guidance. Users can discuss issues, share experiences and get judgment free support from the community. With an anonymous and moderated approach, you can give and receive support in a safe and caring environment.

Young Minds toolkit

What is it: It’s a collection of resources put together by the UK’s leading charity for the mental health of children and young people.

What does it do: Here, Young Minds offer a series of articles, downloads and videos. These range from social skills like ‘How to be a good listener’ right through to guidance on how to support young people with mental health issues.

How can it help you: If you’re a child or a young person experiencing mental health issues and want to learn more, this resource is essential. But where it really shines is its material for teachers, parents and carers supporting mental health issues. 

Easy reads like ‘How to have a conversation with young people about mental health’ and ‘A quick guide to ADHD in young people’ offer great ways to understand and talk to young people who might need a little guidance.

Mind Out

What is it: Mind Out is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues. 

What does it do: Mind Out is focused on giving LGBTQ members the support they can’t find elsewhere. Its website is packed with resources, advice on relevant services, along with their own anonymous online chat service. 

How can it help you: For LGBTQ members feeling shut out or afraid to approach traditional therapy or GP services, this is for you. Mind Out’s live chat provides a space where users can discuss thoughts and feelings with like minded trained volunteers. 

With traditional therapy, users often feel comfortable talking with strangers who aren’t connected to their own life. However, Mind Out offers online support from people who have lived similar experiences to their callers. This advocates healing through community spirit, shared stories and hope.

Live Life To The Full CBT Courses

What is it: Living Live To The Full is a service founded by Professor of Psychosocial Psychiatry, Dr Chris Williams. Here, you can find a series of online CBT courses that focus on mental health conditions. 

What does it do: LLTTF gives you free access to courses centered around overcoming stress, anxiety and low mood. You’ll find courses adapted for different scenarios like support for adults,  carers or those who’ve left prison. 

Each course takes a CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) approach and users can complete them at their own pace.

How can it help you: CBT helps you work through problems by breaking them down into smaller, manageable chunks. You’ll often find it used as an alternative or accompaniment to medication for mental health issues. With LLTTF you’ll have access to courses which help you confront issues and find positive ways to move forward. 

Even better? Each course is low-intensity, so with no moderator needed you can discover new ways to work through problems, in your own time.