An Ayrshire-based charity has launched free online resources to help people understand anxiety, try practical coping tools and find appropriate support.
Anxiety Aid International is introducing its services in South Ayrshire ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.
Its website offers five free tools, including guided breathing, grounding exercises and activities designed to help people organise their worries. Visitors can use the resources without an appointment or account and explore them at their own pace.
The tools are available to people seeking help for themselves, as well as those supporting a family member, friend or colleague.
The charity says its aim is to make the first step towards support easier for people who may feel overwhelmed by the amount of anxiety information available online.
Founder and chair Alan Currie said: “Behind every search for anxiety help is a person. They might be lying awake, struggling at work or trying to understand what someone they love is going through. We want them to find understanding, something useful to try and a sense that there is a way forward.
“The human is the point. We want clever technology underneath and a simple, welcoming experience on top, helping people understand anxiety, feel better equipped to cope and take their next step.”
The website also features Ask AAI, an online assistant which draws on the charity’s own information to help visitors find relevant resources and support routes. It does not diagnose conditions or replace professional care.
The free resources are intended to sit alongside NHS, GP and community services. The charity’s approach follows its CARE framework: Connect, Acknowledge, Restore and Empower.
Plans for the next stage include guided conversations, workshops and structured support delivered by trained practitioners. These services will be introduced as funding, staffing and delivery arrangements are put in place.
The charity is inviting charitable trusts, foundations, businesses and individual supporters to help fund that development. Contributions would also support improvements to the existing resources and evaluation of their effectiveness.
Although Anxiety Aid International has wider ambitions, its initial work will focus on building local relationships and gathering feedback in South Ayrshire to guide future expansion.
Colin Rodgers, of Thinking ForWord Social CIC, designed and built the website and its digital tools. The charity also thanked Voluntary Action South Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council colleagues for their discussions, introductions and support during its development.
The free resources are available at anxietyaidinternational.org. Funding and support enquiries can be sent to hello@anxietyaidinternational.org.
Where to find urgent support
If someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support in Scotland, call NHS 24 on 111.
Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258. Both services are available around the clock.
Breathing Space supports people in Scotland aged 16 and over on 0800 83 85 87, Monday to Thursday from 6pm until 2am, and continuously from Friday at 6pm until Monday at 6am.