Health and wellbeing

Worrying about money can really impact your mental health and sense of wellbeing. This page has information about ways you can improve your well-being, where to find the right support if you are finding it hard to cope and more.

Wellbeing Portsmouth helps local people stop smoking, drink less alcohol and get to a healthy weight.

Our Live Well in Portsmouth drop-in events aim to connect city residents to local organisations offering cost of living and health support and advice. Find upcoming dates for Live Well events.

NHS Mental Health resources provide guides, tools and activities that support your mental health.Living Life to the Full has free online courses covering low mood and stress.

Helpguide.org can help you get better mental and emotional health. through free guides and tools on a wide range of topics like loss, sleep, stress and relationship break-ups.

GetSelfHelp.co.uk has a useful list of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) apps.

Five Ways To Wellbeing gives five practical ways to keep yourself mentally well.

Pharmacy First is a scheme that allows people who receive certain benefits to go straight to their pharmacist for the treatment of selected minor ailments, without needing to visit a GP.

Find information about adult mental health support in Portsmouth, such as drop-in sessions, psychotherapy counselling, and contacts for information about mental health problems and treatments.

There’s also mental health support for children and young people available.

We’ve made a list of local mental health and wellbeing groups offering sports activities, learning experiences, music and arts-based events and talk-based support around Portsmouth.

Visit NHS Mental Health resources for guides, tools and activities that support your mental health.

Research* shows that the cost of living crisis is preventing victims from fleeing domestic abuse. If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, and feel trapped because of your financial situation, you’re not alone, there is help and support available.

National domestic abuse 24-hour helpline – 0808 2000 247

*Source: The cost of living – Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

Keeping active and socialising can help improve mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know would you like to get out and about and make friends, but lack the confidence to do so our Community Connectors can help.

Find low cost or free activities to do in Portsmouth.

If you get a means-tested benefit and live in Portsmouth you can apply for Portsmouth leisure card which entitles you to discounts at Portsmouth City Council facilities and sports centres, swimming pools, golf, museums and other services.

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary has a number of groups providing free activities for people who are seeking asylum, or refugees, including English classes, football, dance, a women’s group and allotment use.  To take part, just drop in to their weekly Hub, every Monday, any time between 10am-1pm.

Walking for wellbeing. If you’re looking to improve your fitness, enjoy the outdoors and make new friends, try one of our free guided wellbeing walks Find out more and sign up Ramblers Wellbeing Walks

Social activities and groups for adults – are you looking to join a new activity, make friends and explore your area? The council runs a variety of social activities and groups for adults across the city. There’s something for everyone – including walking, reading, knitting, gardening cookery, and culture and faith groups. As well as taking part, there are also opportunities to volunteer and help run the sessions.