An Oxfordshire mental health charity has launched a series of free online resources designed to help people manage their wellbeing amid growing demand for support services.
Response has published a range of free-to-access guides for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, alongside resources for young people, parents and carers, as part of the launch of its new website.
The digital guides cover topics including supporting wellbeing, coping with change, alcohol support and building self-esteem, with further resources expected to be added later this year.
Resources aimed at young people include advice on managing exam stress and preparing for university life, while parents and carers can also access guidance on social media use, sleep and ways to support neurodivergent children during the school holidays.
The launch comes as NHS figures revealed that 2.24 million people were in direct contact with mental health services at the end of January, while more than 526,000 parents and carers were in discussions with children and young people’s mental health services.
Nicola Leavesley, CEO of Response, said the charity hopes the resources can provide practical support for people waiting to access professional help.
“It’s estimated one in four people will experience a mental health challenge of any severity each year,” she said.
“This figure is likely to be magnified in 2026 owing to global events, associated uncertainty and the sharp rises people are experiencing in the cost of living.
“We’ve witnessed first-hand a rise in demand for our own services and are acutely aware of the pressures being faced by the NHS.
“It’s why launching these free online resources was viewed as an important step by our team to act as a stopgap for people who are experiencing their own personal challenges right now while they wait for professional help.”
Founded in 1966, Response operates across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, supporting people to overcome mental health challenges by helping them rebuild confidence, regain stability and move forwards.
The charity provides supported housing for adults and young people, alongside preventative and open-access support through its recently opened Wellbeing Hub in Thatcham, Berkshire. At any given time, the organisation can work with up to 550 individuals.
Nicola added: “More people are seeking support from statutory services, which naturally has a knock-on effect to independent providers working to relieve pressure on the NHS.
“Our Wellbeing Hub in Thatcham, for example, already has a waiting list of young people our team won’t be able to see for months, potentially up to a year.
“With appropriate funding, our team would be able to provide tailored support at the moment of first contact.
“In the meantime, it is our responsibility to do everything within our control to help those experiencing mental health challenges until resource is available, and our free digital tools represent one way of achieving this.”
Anyone requiring urgent mental health support is advised to call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
To access the free resources, visit the Response website.
