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Blog | 20 March 2020

Online resources available during social distancing and self-isolation

In this difficult time, it may be useful to know about some of the amazing resources available online to help you out if you're having to social distance or self-isolate. We’ve curated a master-post of online resources, from mental health self-care to ways you can feel like you’ve left the house. We hope they help.

(Please note this was compiled in 2020. Please do let us know if information is out of date or links no longer work)



Helplines & Web-Chats

  • For an up to date list of Helplines & Webchats, check out our resource here.
  • Our Helpline for survivors of sexual violence and abuse of any gender aged 14+: Mon 7-9pm & Wed from 12-2pm on 01273 720 110 
  • Our email support service: email us any day on help@survivorsnetwork.org.uk – we’ll respond on Mon or Wed between 12-2pm 
  • Rape Crisis England & Wales Helpline08088 029 999 between 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm 
  • Rape Crisis England & Wales Live Web Chat – days and times listed online 
  • Brighton Women’s Centre “Women Supporting Women” Helpline: 01273 698036 or email dropinservices@womenscentre.org.uk – Mondays 2-4pm (for women who are 50+) | Wednesdays 2-4pm | Thursdays 10-12pm
  • ElefriendsSupportive web-chat through Mind 
  • Shout24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for people struggling to copeText: 85258 
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 for FREE. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Open 24/7, 365 days a year. 
  • Childline: Helpline, one-to-one webchat with a counsellor and a messaging service, all available between 7:30am – 3:30am. Call 0800 1111 or go to their website.
  • Safeline:  Support for people all genders who have experienced sexual abuse: 0808 800 5008
  • National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 Open Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm; Wednesdays and Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm E: help@galop.org.uk  
  • Women’s Aid Online chat:  Monday to Friday 10:00am – 12:00pm 
  • Hopeline UKIf you are a young person at risk of suicide, call: 0800 068 41 41; Text: 07860 039967; Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org  
  • Mindline Trans+ : Trans specific emotional support helpline, w/ trans listeners. 0300 330 5468; Mondays and Fridays 8pm-midnight.
  • Brighton Mental Health Rapid ResponseCall 0300 304 0078. The Mental Health Rapid Response Service (MHRRS) is a rapid assessment service for patients suffering from mental health problems who are at risk and may not be able to keep themselves safe, or are considering attending A+E for help with their mental health. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and health professionals, carers or patients can ring for advice. 
  • MOSCAC – helpline for non-abusive parents whose child has experienced abuse. 0800 980 1958 Lines open 10am to 2pm (Monday, Thursday and Friday) and 10am to 6pm (Tuesday and Wednesday).   
  • Telephone befriending service for the elderly 
  • Free emotional support from trained listeners; online counselling 
  • CALM helpline: Confidential Emotional Support for Men  Mon-Fri 1pm-11pm 0800585858 
  • Sussex Mental Healthline – 0300 5000 101 – provides a 24/7 service to people needing urgent help with their mental health. As well as crisis support it will provide psychological support to people who have general concerns about their mental health. Registered clinicians are at the other end of the freephone number to provide help, support and advice to anyone who needs it, at any time of the day or night, regardless of their age or where they live in the county.
  • Brighton & Hove Speak Out are continuing to offer a helpline to people with learning disabilities during Covid-19. Telephone helpline – Monday – Friday 9-5pm & Sunday 11am-3pm on 01273421 92
  • Citizens Advice West Sussex: Speak to a local Citizens Advice adviser in West Sussex on 0808 278 7969 Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm for free.

Apps 

  • Stop Breathe Think – Check in with how you’re feeling, and try short activities tuned to your emotions. 
  • Headspace – mindfulness tools for your everyday life  
  • Stay Alive App from Grassroots Suicide Prevention 
  • CalmHarm Self harm support app 
  • Insight timer : meditation app
  • Happiful: a wellness directory app of qualified professionals who offer support with well-being and mental health.

How to Help/Find Help (Covid-19 specific)


Mental Health Self Care


Physical Self Care



Keep Your Children Occupied & Learning






Financial Advice

  • The Citizens Advice Bureau – They offer support around benefits, work and finances/debt, amongst other things
  • Step Change – Debt advice
  • Money Advice Plus – Advice on money and debt, including for survivors of domestic abuse
  • Turn2Us – Offering support for people experiencing financial hardship in the form of grants and sometimes items for the home as needed.
  • Money Saving Expert – helpful on ways to save money


Ambient noises 

  • Rainy Mood – Allows you to play rain, with suggestions of ambient music to play at the same time. 
  • Coffitivity – The background noise of a coffee shop. Allows you to choose between different locations such as lunchtime lounge, morning murmur etc. 
  • Purrli – Purrrr of a cat! Lots of ways to adjust this to your preference. 
  • Snow emulator – Visually beautiful falling snow, the website gives you the opinion to play music with the scenery, or to choose your own. 
  • Rain For Me – Simple rain effects with the option to download the audio files for offline listening. 
  • Rainy Café – Combines the sounds of a bustling cafe setting with the sounds of drizzling rain. 
  • White Noise  – White noise can be soothing.
  • I Miss My Bar – Background sounds of the bar, plus a relevant playlist.

Distraction/Soothing Games  


Learn something new 


Stave off boredom 



We hope that these help you to stay grounded, entertained and able to get through the coming weeks. These are unusual times, but there is kindness in our community and a wealth of fun, engaging and interesting things to do online! 

If you’ve found this helpful and would like to thank us, you can donate to Survivors’ Network


Access a Padlet containing all of these links