Archives: Resources

My Black Dog – peer-to-peer mental health support

My Black Dog offers peer-to-peer support for people who are struggling with their mental health.

All volunteers are people who have lived experiences of their own mental health challenges and understand what you are going through.

The charity offers free online support via its online chat service. You can also find articles, resources and some alternative therapy ideas on the website.

The online chat is open at the following times:

  • Monday to Friday: 5pm – 10pm
  • Saturday: 10am – 3pm
  • Sunday: 7pm – 10pm

My Black Dog is not a crisis point or a suicide line. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123.

Link to resource:

Visit the website where you can access the online chat facility.

Read more about this resource

The Stay Alive app – a suicide prevention resource

The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. 

You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

The app includes:

  • A safety plan with customisable reasons for living 
  • A LifeBox where you can store photos and memories that are important to you
  • Strategies for staying safe and tips on how to stay grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed
  • Guided breathing exercises and an interactive Wellness Plan.

The app also links you directly to local and national crisis resources, with space to add in your own too.

Stay Alive is one of a set of wellbeing apps signposted by NHS England for NHS people. Find out more about Stay Alive on the Grassroots Suicide Prevention website.

Link to resource:

Download Stay Alive on the Apple App Store

Download Stay Alive on Google Play

Read more about this resource

Mental health and wellbeing support for medics

This resource includes a series of in-depth ‘Wellbeing Sessions’, which provide structured support for doctors and medical students looking to improve their own wellbeing.

If you have less time available, or would like to explore a range of topics, there are also two other types of support available.

‘Find Out More’ guides offer an overview of different wellbeing areas, and tips on what to do next. ‘Bitesize’ sessions can help you start to make positive changes through techniques that you can put into practice straight away.

These sessions can benefit doctors, medical students and family members alike.

Link to resource:

Visit the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund website.

Read more about this resource

OCD-UK – support to understand and manage OCD

Information plays an important role in helping people understand and manage Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

OCD-UK is a national charity run by, and for, people with OCD. The organisation aims to educate, offer hope, and support people at every stage of their journey: through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between.

The charity is service-user led; everyone involved has personal experience of OCD, either directly or through a loved one.

Based on these experiences, OCD-UK provides advice, information and support services for those affected by OCD. This includes a support line, online resources and forums, and online support groups.

Please note: OCD-UK’s support services are only available from Monday to Friday, and for UK residents.

Link to resource:

Visit the website.

Call the support line on 01332 588112  Lines are open from 9am – 12pm, Monday to Friday.

Read more about this resource

NHS Practitioner Health – a mental wellbeing app

NHS Practitioner Health has produced a mental wellbeing app tailored to the needs of health and social care workers.

The app will enable you to monitor and track your own wellbeing, and identify areas where you might need some additional support.

Through the app, you can access customised content curated by NHS Practitioner Health, including self-care information, links to useful resources, weekly mental fitness reports and podcasts. The resources cover areas such as looking after yourself on shift, nutrition and shift work, dealing with conflict, sleeping well, and more.

The aim is to help you improve your mental wellbeing while maintaining privacy and trust.

Link to resource:

Find out more and sign up for the app.

Read more about this resource

The No Panic helpline

No Panic is a registered charity that supports people living with panic attacks, phobias, OCD and other related anxiety disorders.

No Panic offers a number of different services, including telephone and email support, as well as additional programmes for people who sign up for an annual membership.

The No Panic Helpline operates between 10am and 10pm every day, and is staffed by trained volunteers. During the night hours the crisis message is played; this is a recorded breathing exercise that can help guide you through a panic attack and learn diaphragmatic breathing.

The charity also provides support for the carers of people who live with anxiety disorders.

Link to resource:

Visit the website.

Call the helpline on 0300 772 9844 – the line is open between 10am and 10pm, every day.

Read more about this resource

Budget Planner by MoneyHelper

This simple budget planning tool aims to give you a clearer picture of your income and outgoings, and make a plan for your financial goals.

Knowing where every pound is being spent is a good first step towards building savings, getting out of debt or preparing for retirement.

The Budget Planner tool from MoneyHelper offers:

  • A place to record all of your spending
  • A breakdown of your finances by category
  • Personalised tips to help you make the most of your money.

Link to resource:

Visit the webpage.

Read more about this resource

Financial Habits and Money Management Programme

This is a free 10-week plan designed to build confidence around money management and budgeting.

This resource is designed to help you feel more in control of your finances. It aims to cut through the jargon and help you make more confident decisions about your money and pensions, with just 20 minutes a week!

The weekly steps and tools can help with cutting back on spending, building up savings, and creating better financial habits.

Link to resource:

Visit the website.

Read more about this resource

National Day of Reflection

As we approach the two-year anniversary of the start of Covid-19 restrictions in England, we know many of our staff still feel the impact of the pandemic at work and at home as much as ever. Many of us may experience complex feelings around this anniversary, and wonder how to mark the event personally and with colleagues.

Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection on Wednesday 23rd March 2022 is an opportunity for individuals, teams, and organizations to connect in remembrance of those we have lost and reflect on the past two years. Find how to get involved, including registering your organization, online events, practical guidance packs, and information about grief, at mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

To take part this year, people are encouraged to visit mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection and join one or more activities on the day:

  • Observe a minute’s silence at midday, wearing your Marie Curie daffodil pin
  • Shine a light at 8pm, or display flowers in your window
  • Visit a Wall of Reflection or remember a loved one in your own way – an interactive online map at /dayofreflection will display a UK wide network of Walls of Reflection where people can go to remember the loved ones they have lost and where the local community can come together to support those who are grieving.
  • Join one of seven online Marie Curie organised talks and panel discussions, see /dayofreflection for more details.
  • Prominent buildings and landmarks will light up yellow at night to mark the occasion. Last year, over 100 lit up – from Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth, Devon to Ness Bridge in Inverness, Scotland.


The Marie Curie Support Line can help if you, or someone you care about is grieving. Call 0800 090 2309 to speak to a trained Support Line Officer or visit Mariecurie.org.uk/support to get ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer. 

KeepingWell NCL is also available to support staff and teams who may benefit from support around this time. Contact us at keepingwell.ncl@nhs.net, and a practitioner will arrange a time to talk about how we can support you.

Link to resource:

mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

Read more about this resource

Using Safe Place Imagery

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or being reminded of something difficult, it can be helpful to imagine a ‘safe place’ which gives you a feeling of calm and safety. You can also practice a Lotus Flower meditation to help you relax.

This easy-to-read infographic developed by the Traumatic Stress Clinic guides you through using a ‘safe place’ or Lotus Flower meditation as a practical way to cope with difficult feelings.

Link to resource:

Click here to view or download the PDF

Read more about this resource

Keeping Well NCL is a wellbeing and mental health project that connects and supports the North Central London health and social care workforce during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Envelope Envelope-open-text

More information

North Central London Integrated Care System Logo