Staying Well Online

Side by Side is a peer support service. It’s not a crisis service. This means that if you feel like you might seriously harm yourself, please seek appropriate services.

• Samaritans:http://www.samaritans.org/
• Shout: https://giveusashout.org/
• Call 111 and select the option for mental health support
• Call 999 or go to A&E if you can’t keep safe

Side by Side has features that help you manage the content you see. This means if there is something that triggers or upsets you, you can put in place boundaries to protect yourself.

• Mute words: In your Settings, add “Mute Words”. This will stop you seeing any content containing that word. For example, if you are scared of spiders, you could enter “Spiders”, which will hide any content containing that word from the whole site.
• Filter: On the main wall, you can use the Filter Feature to filter the wall by posts you want to see. For example, if you only want to see posts about Arts & Culture, you can filter the wall and only see posts that contain this tag.
• Flagging content: On posts, comments and DMs, you can report content to the moderation team. Please use this feature to let the team know of any guideline breaks or unsafe content.

Supporting others in a peer support space can be meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. It’s important to look after your own wellbeing too.

You’re not expected to fix anyone’s problems. Listening and sharing experiences is enough.

If a conversation feels too heavy, it’s okay to take a break or step away. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Moderators are here to help keep Side by Side safe. Please get in touch with a moderator if:

• You see content that breaks guidelines
• You feel unsafe or unsure about a conversation
• You need support managing a difficult interaction

You can report posts, comments, or DMs using the flag feature. The moderation team will review and respond as needed.

Spending time on Side by Side can be helpful, but it’s also important to take breaks. Being online for long periods, especially in a peer support space, can be emotionally tiring.

Here are some tips to help you manage your screen time:

• Set time limits: Decide how long you want to be online and stick to it. You could use a timer or reminders to help.
• Take regular breaks: Step away from your screen to rest, stretch, or do something offline.
• Notice how you feel: If you start to feel overwhelmed, tired or emotionally drained, it’s okay to log off.

You might find it helpful to use:

• Use screentime limiting in your phone settings
• Use third-party apps like “Focus Friend” or “Screenzen”
• Put your phone in another room

Being part of an online peer support space can be uplifting, but it’s also important to look after your mental health while you're here. Spending time online, especially in emotionally sensitive spaces, can affect how you feel.

To help yourself manage wellbeing online:

• Make use of our “take a break” function

Check out our tips for staying well online

It’s important to stay safe online. This means protecting your privacy, thinking carefully about what you share, and knowing how to get help and support if something makes you feel uncomfortable.

Some ways to keep safe include:

• Keep personal details private: don’t share your full name, address, phone number, or social media accounts.
• Think before you post: only share what feels comfortable and safe for you.
• Check out our guidance on Staying Safe Online - Side by Side

It’s okay to manage your interactions in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you. Everyone has different boundaries.

Side by Side has features that can help you manage contact with other members:

• Take a break: leave the site at any time and come back whenever you’re ready.
• Snooze a member: temporarily snooze another member for 1 week, 1 month, or permanently.
• Block a member: If you don’t want any contact with another member, you can use the block feature.
• Report: if content feels unsafe or breaks guidelines, let a moderator know.