Looking after your own mental health

Looking after your own wellbeing 

As an activity deliverer it is possible you could become a point of contact to have conversations about mental health with others. Although this can be very rewarding, it can also be time consuming and emotionally overwhelming. You might find that discussing subjects or traumatic events close to your own experiences, or that of others close to you, may be triggering - especially if you’re feeling unwell. 

It is important to always take care of your own wellbeing. If you don’t look after yourself, you will be unable to help others or effectively do your role. On this page we have pulled together resources to help look after your mental wellbeing whatever your role. We have also included places to contact when things get too much, and you need support. 

Mind resources 

• Mind Self-Care Library 

• Mind’s Self-Care Library aims to help people working and volunteering in the sport sector to support their own wellbeing and that of others.  

• Mind ‘how to improve your mental wellbeing’  

• These webpages explain what mental wellbeing means and gives tips to help you take care of your mental wellbeing.  

• Mind physical activity, exercise and mental health webpage 

• Physical activity and exercise can have a positive impact on our mental health, in lots of different ways. Mind have produced resources providing advice on getting active to boost our mental health. 

Other national resources 

• The Hub of Hope 

• The UK’s leading mental health support database. The website and app bring local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. 

• Every Mind Matters  

• Advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, including a self-care plan and ‘how are you’ quiz.  

• Sidekick 

• An app with a collection of interactive exercises to help boost mental wellbeing. It enables you to build a personalised wellbeing workout and toolkit to help deal with whatever life throws at you. 

Hertfordshire resources 

• Hector’s House Self Care Tips 

• A webpage that hosts tips on how to put your mental health first. 

• Hector’s House Library of Calm  

• An internet ‘safe space’, Hector’s House Library of Calm lists various activities for those feeling stressed, anxious, low or just in need a breather. 

• OLLIE Foundation support for professionals with a duty of care 

• OLLIE provide a programme of training, events, talks and webinars to support those with a duty of care, helping reaffirm their understanding around mental health  

• Togetherall  

• An anonymous online mental health community for anyone aged 16 and over. The platform provides support, courses and advice if you are feeling low or depressed and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (monitored by professionals). 

• New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing College 

• Free courses for adults to help deal with challenges and improve mental wellbeing.  

• Healthy Hubs Hertfordshire 

• Free advice, information and support to stay healthy and well, including losing weight, quitting smoking, being active, reducing your alcohol intake, getting money advice, feeling happier and much more.  

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Support services & signposting 

• HWE ICS Mental Health Services 

• Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Service have created a webpage listing the mental health services available in Hertfordshire. 

• Spot The Signs & Save A Live Signposting Guide 

• Booklet of the various support services available in Hertfordshire. 

HCC Resources  

• HCC general mental health resources and training webpages 

• HCC advice & support booklet  

• A booklet linking to a wide range of mental heal services that are available in Herts  

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Urgent help 

If you or someone you know needs urgent help:  

• Call 999 or go to A&E if it is an emergency and there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else. 

• If you need urgent help for your mental health but it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select option 2. 

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123. www.samaritans.org 

These options are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

 

Mind Nightlight crisis helpline, open 7pm to 1am 

Herts Mind Network Nightlight Crisis Cafés 

• Crisis Cafés at Watford and Stevenage are open between 7pm and 1am every evening, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 

• The Crisis Café in Ware is open 7pm to 1am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 

Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org 
Call: 01923 256391 

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If you notice any errors in the resources or want to reach out to Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, please contact hsphealth@herts.ac.uk