While we plan, mobilise and listen in order to regenerate our planet and its future, we must also listen inwardly: what do our own bodies and minds need in order to care for and regenerate ourselves? The emotional, physical and mental labours of advocating for social and climate justice can take their toll. Family, friends and loved ones are necessary supports for when we’re carrying heavy loads. But protecting our own health and wellbeing can also involve reaching out to systems and groups which will remind us that our own regeneration is necessary.
International
Waking Up (App)
Learn the fundamentals of mindfulness from Sam Harris — neuroscientist, author, and creator of Waking Up — as he also guides you into the deep end of meditation.
Insight Timer
Insight Time is a free app for sleep, anxiety and stress with more than 100k guided meditations led by the best teachers from around the world.
Planetary Hope: Find Your Voice & Power with Emily Toner
This course has been designed to help provide a space to process the myriad of emotions that arise in response to the environmental challenges currently facing our global community. Combining research from neuroscience, the science of wellbeing and the psychology of emotion and behaviour, each day leads into a specific guided mindfulness practice designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to tend to your own wellbeing, while also creating space for you to act for the earth in small, committed, everyday ways. Emily Toner is a Clinical Psychologist with a research background in Behavioural Neuroscience and Positive Psychology.
Amnesty International
Amnesty are a global organisation using research and campaigning to fight human rights abuses.
- Activist self care - an online resource for self-care and wellbeing for activists.
- Sustainable activism - a guide to sustainable activism featuring a self-care plan.
Mind (UK)
Mind is a not for profit organisation that provides advice and support for people wanting to better manage their mental health in the UK. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
- Connect with a local Mind branch
- Read tips for managing yourself at times of crisis
- Find specific resources for under 18s.
- Find helpif you’re concerned about a friend or family member.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing. They aim at improving mental health for individuals, whanau, organisations and communities.
Australia
The Commons Library
The Commons Social Change Library is an online collection of educational resources on campaign strategy, community organising, digital campaigning, inclusivity and diversity.
- Activist support - read about the ways you can support yourself and others as activists.
- Wellbeing resources - access articles and tips in order to foster health and wellbeing while enacting social or environmental change.
Headspace
The national youth mental health foundation, headspace provide support, help and services to young people across Australia.
- Online chats - join an online group and receive support.
- Find a centre - visit a headspace centre near you in person.
- Online and phone support - create an account to access help.
- Work and study - access support for education or employment related issues.
- For professionals and educators - support for those in the workforce, education system, or employers of young people.
Visible
Visible are the Australian Youth Advocates for Mental Health (AYAMH) who have co-designed a national initiative to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
- Access help through Visible’s resources
- Read the expressions of the mental health advocates and their artistic representations of their journeys.
Know of any other groups or resources? Get in touch.
Protecting your wellbeing is part of a larger collective response. Click here to read more.