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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.

Get support here

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.


Icon for the Move Mood application
Move Mood

Mental Health


Entirely Free

Apple iOS

71%

Level 3

Android

71%

Level 3

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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.

Icon for the Smiling Mind: Mental Wellbeing application
Smiling Mind: Mental Wellbeing

Healthy Living

Mental Health


Entirely Free

Apple iOS

77%

Level 2

Android

77%

Level 2

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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

Icon for the Tellmi: Better Mental Health application
Tellmi: Better Mental Health

Mental Health


Entirely Free

Apple iOS

86%

Level 2

Android

86%

Level 2

Web App

86%

Level 2

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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.

Icon for the TalkLife: 24/7 Peer Support application
TalkLife: 24/7 Peer Support

Mental Health


In App Purchases

Apple iOS

83%

Level 2

Android

83%

Level 2

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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.

Icon for the Sleepful application
Sleepful

Healthy Living

Mental Health


Entirely Free

Apple iOS

65%

Level 2

Android

65%

Level 2

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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.

Icon for the Sleep & Meditation : Wysa application
Sleep & Meditation : Wysa

Healthy Living

Mental Health


In App Purchases

Android

83%

Level 3

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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.

Icon for the Amaru: Self-care Virtual Pet application
Amaru: Self-care Virtual Pet

Mental Health


In App Purchases

Apple iOS

72%

Level 2

Android

71%

Level 2

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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

Icon for the Plant Nanny Water Tracker Pal application
Plant Nanny Water Tracker Pal

Healthy Living


In App Purchases

Apple iOS

74%

Level 2

Android

74%

Level 2

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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.

Icon for the NHS Drink Free Days application
NHS Drink Free Days

Healthy Living


Entirely Free

Apple iOS

76%

Level 3

Android

76%

Level 3

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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.

Icon for the MENTOR360: Forming New Habits application
MENTOR360: Forming New Habits

Healthy Living

Mental Health


In App Purchases

Apple iOS

89%

Level 2

Android

88%

Level 2

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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