Health

Exercising in whatever way you can is good for keeping fit, boosting your mood and helping you socialise. There are many options to support your fitness for free, including simple things like getting out in the fresh air regularly or using household items like cans as weights. There are also outdoor gyms (your local council will have a list of free to use outdoor gyms), free fitness apps and online videos.

Visit the Money Saving Expert website for more ways to keep fit for free.

If you're on a low-income, you can get help with your health costs by applying on the NHS to get free prescriptions, help with healthcare transport and other services. 

Visit the NHS Help with health costs hub for more information. You can also use their online tool to check what you could get help for.

Connecting with people and sharing your experiences can be a great way of boosting your mental and physical health for free. Spending time with people who have similar experiences or health conditions reduces loneliness, provides emotional support, and can give you practical advice and tips for managing your health.

You can find people to connect with through peer or support groups or services, which are often run by health services or charities. They may be run online, in person or over the phone. Start by checking out the list we’ve compiled below or search online to see if there are support groups or services that would suit you.

Everyone experiences ups and downs with their mental health. Talking things through with friends or family can help a lot, so it’s important to reach out to the people around you when things are tough.

But if you're finding it hard to cope with how you feel, there are many additional sources of help and support.

Speaking to your GP is the best place to start.

There are also charities that offer support and advice if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness and any other mental health issues. 

Here’s a list of national mental health charities, their websites and telephone numbers: 

Age UK offers a befriending service for people over the age of 60 and can provide advice on money, care or health.

Telephone: 0800 470 8090

Anxiety UK is run by and for people living with anxiety.

Telephone: 03444 775 774

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers a support line specifically for men aged between 15 and 35.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58.

Mencap provides support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

Telephone: 0808 808 1111

Mental Health and Money Advice provides support for people with mental health and money difficulties.

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393

ReEngage is a charity that aims to make life less lonely for older people with face to face and telephone-based activities.

Telephone: 0800 716543

Rehab 4 Addiction serves as an online resource to individuals and families dealing with substance addiction.

Telephone: 0800 140 4690

Rethink Mental Illness offers general information on living with mental illness, medication and care.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Samaritans has a confidential support line for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Telephone:116 123

SANE is a leading UK mental health charity working to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000