We can’t provide 1:1 or emergency support for people in a crisis. If this is what you need right now, you can find ways to access it on our website.
I need urgent help
About our moderators and the Mind team
We have around 30 moderators who help to keep the community safe and supportive. We’re here between 8am and midnight, 7 days a week.
If you are worried about someone, or you need some extra information and support, you can use the flag button or get in touch with our mods by direct message.
You’ll also see public posts from the Mind team. We welcome new community members, share helpful mental health updates and information, and encourage our community members to take part in a range of things clubs, games, and wellbeing activities.
We’re all here to help you make the most of your time on Side by Side so please do contact us if you need any help.
If you want to find out more about the running of the service or there’s something you need to talk about with the Mind team who oversee the site, please contact sidebysideonline@mind.org.uk.
Our guiding principles
Be mindful
Graphic, detailed descriptions can have an impact on other community members. Please keep your posts focused on thoughts and feelings.
Be kind
This community thrives on peer support, so please give back when you can. One small comment or reaction from you could make a huge difference to someone’s day.
Be safe - three golden rules
Don’t share your personal details.
Don’t get involved in arguments.
Report anything suspicious to us directly.
All of our community guidelines
Self-harm and suicide
We will hide any descriptions of suicide and self-harm including methods, dates, times, and locations, whether you are talking about yourself or someone else.
Eating and drinking
We will hide anything mentioning calories, weight, measurements, amounts of food eaten, images of weight loss, or detail about methods of gaining or losing weight.
Abuse and violence
We want you to share and get support for what you’re going through, but to keep the community safe, we will hide content which contain detailed descriptions of sexual assault, violence or abuse.
Politics
Please don’t post political opinions as this can cause division, which is unhelpful for a peer support environment.
Swearing
Mild swearing is ok as long as it is in context, not excessive, and not aimed at other community members.
Sharing personal details
Do not share personal details - even in private messages. Please report anything you think is suspicious.
Accounts
Only one account per person is permitted on Side by Side. If you have trouble accessing your account, please contact sidebysideonline@mind.org.uk.
Confidentiality
What you share here is confidential. We will only contact other agencies or organisations if you are at risk of serious harm and you shared contact details with us, or if someone else is at risk of serious harm.