Self care
Self-care made simple Looking after your mental health doesn’t need to be hard. At PAPYRUS, we know that small steps can make a big difference. That’s why we’ve picked out some great self-care apps you can use anytime, from anywhere—no waiting needed. Start feeling better, your way.

If you or someone else needs suicide prevention support, you can call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 41 41, or text ‘Hope’ to 88247.
You can also find more information on our website www.papyrus-uk.org.
Move Mood is an app designed to help teens cope with tough times and feel better when they're feeling low. Created by Stem4, a teen mental health charity, the app makes it easier to manage your emotions and stay motivated.
With Move Mood, you can set goals, plan activities, and get support from a virtual companion who cheers you on. As you complete tasks, you earn rewards and track your progress. The app also offers helpful tips and resources to guide you along the way, making it a fun and supportive tool for teens aged 13 and up.

Mental Health
Entirely Free
71%
Level 3
71%
Level 3



Smiling Mind is an app created by psychologists and educators to help you build mental fitness and improve your overall wellbeing. Used by millions, it offers tools designed to increase your sense of calm, manage technology use, enhance important relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mental health. Whether you're seeking balance or looking for ways to manage your emotions, Smiling Mind provides practical resources to support you on your mental health journey.

Healthy Living
Mental Health
Entirely Free
77%
Level 2
77%
Level 2



Tellmi is a peer-support app where you can share what’s on your mind, ask questions, or talk about anything that’s stressing you out. Whether you're feeling anxious, down, or just dealing with relationship stuff, the Tellmi community is here for you.
You can post your thoughts and get replies from people your age. Plus, everything gets checked by a trained worker first, so it’s safe and supportive. It’s perfect for anyone 11+ who wants to connect and find support

Mental Health
Entirely Free
86%
Level 2
86%
Level 2
86%
Level 2



TalkLife is a free app made for anyone 16+ who just needs someone to talk to. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or just having a rough day, you can share your thoughts and connect with people who get it. It’s a safe space to be real, listen, and support each other. Created with help from psychologists, it’s got your back. Most of it’s free, and you can unlock extra stuff through your healthcare provider or in the app if you want.

Mental Health
In App Purchases
83%
Level 2
83%
Level 2



Sleepful is a free app for those who want to sleep better and feel more rested. It guides you through 8 simple steps using videos, articles, a sleep diary, and relaxing audio to help you wind down. Based on CBT-I (that’s cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia), Sleepful helps you understand how your thoughts, habits, and environment affect your sleep. It was created by sleep experts and researchers at Loughborough University, so it’s backed by real science. And the best part? It’s totally free to use.

Healthy Living
Mental Health
Entirely Free
65%
Level 2
65%
Level 2



Sleep by Wysa is your go-to app when you just can’t switch off and sleep. Whether your brain’s full of worries, stress, or racing thoughts, this app’s got your back with relaxing sleep stories, calming sounds, and mindfulness tools to help you drift off. It’s like a cozy bedtime routine in your pocket—think soothing stories, white noise, rain sounds, and even guided meditations.
Built with CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), Wysa helps you understand your sleep patterns, track them, and build better bedtime habits. You can even journal your thoughts or practice gratitude to clear your head before bed. Plus, if you want extra support, there are Wysa Sleep Coaches ready to help.
Winner of Google Play’s Best App of 2020 and trusted by over a million people, it’s designed to help you relax, fall asleep, and wake up feeling better. If deep sleep feels far away, Wysa’s here to bring it closer.

Healthy Living
Mental Health
In App Purchases
83%
Level 3



Amaru: The Self-Care Pet is a cozy, feel-good app where you care for an adorable creature while also taking care of you. Feed, pet, and play games with Amaru, your virtual buddy, while setting goals, practicing mindfulness, and journaling to build healthy mental habits. It’s like having a cute emotional support pet right in your pocket.
Explore the magical world of Enso, unlock stories, collect treasures, and grow your bond with Amaru—all while doing activities that boost focus, calm anxiety, and ease stress. Best part? All the self-care features are completely free, with no ads. If you can’t afford the full game, you can apply to get it for free through their Keys for Those in Need program.
With soothing art, calming sounds, and activities backed by science, Amaru helps you feel better without pressure. It’s self-care, made adorable.

Mental Health
In App Purchases
72%
Level 2
71%
Level 2



Plant Nanny makes drinking water actually fun! This adorable app turns hydration into a game where every sip helps you grow cute little plants—and build healthier habits along the way. Forget boring reminders—Plant Nanny motivates you to stay hydrated with a mix of adorable plant buddies, daily goals, and fun visuals.
Watch your greenhouse grow as you track your water intake with colorful charts and complete mini-challenges. You can even customize your hydration goals based on your health and lifestyle. Want more? A Sparkful subscription unlocks exclusive plants, deeper tracking, and zero ads.
Stay refreshed, stay cute, and grow a little plant family—one glass of water at a time

Healthy Living
In App Purchases
74%
Level 2
74%
Level 2



NHS Drink Free Days is a free app that helps you cut back on alcohol by tracking the days you don’t drink. Choose your drink-free days each week, log your progress, and get helpful tips and reminders to stay on track. It’s a simple way to build healthier habits and feel more in control of your drinking.
Designed for anyone 17+, the app was created by Public Health England and is totally free to use—no ads, no hidden costs. Just a supportive tool to help you feel better, one drink-free day at a time.

Healthy Living
Entirely Free
76%
Level 3
76%
Level 3



MENTOR360: Forming New Habits is a free self-care app that helps you build healthy habits to support your mental health and overall wellbeing. It’s designed for anyone aged 13+ who wants to feel more in control, confident, and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.
With expert-led videos and resources in mental health, fitness, nutrition, and talking therapy, the app guides you step by step through positive habit changes. You can track your progress, learn how to manage emotions, and strengthen your inner resilience.
Created with healthcare professionals, MENTOR360 is mostly free to use, with some extra features available through healthcare providers or optional in-app purchases.

Healthy Living
Mental Health
In App Purchases
89%
Level 2
88%
Level 2



Additional Resources for Support and Self-Help
Coping Strategies 2024
Explore our practical and healthy suggestions to help manage overwhelming feelings.
Coping Strategies 2024
Distraction Techniques
A helpful list of distraction ideas that can shift your focus and calm difficult thoughts.
Distraction Techniques PDF
Creating a Safety Plan
At PAPYRUS, we can help you build a personalised online Safety Plan to support you when you're struggling with thoughts of suicide. This includes steps for self-care and identifying support networks.
View an example safety plan
Need Immediate Support?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to create a safety plan with us, please reach out:
Call: HOPELINE247 – 0800 068 4141
Text: HOPE to 88247
Webchat: Available via our website – Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention