Leapers is the team for people without a team - we're a community dedicated to supporting the mental health of freelancers and the self-employed, and we're here to help.
YunoJuno has pointed you to this page because they want to make sure you feel supported too - browse below for some of our most popular guides, resources, or join the community to be part of a group of people who work like you.
If you feel at risk or in danger:
Call 999 or visit A&E.
You are not wasting anyone's time.
If you need someone to speak to:
Call Samaritans on 116 123
for free and in confidence.
Find a several support options via Mind:
Visit the Mind website
Alternatively:
Speak to your GP, who will be able to suggest a range of ways to help.
Try taking a step back.
If you're able to, take 15 minutes away from your computer, perhaps take a walk, or just give yourself some time to breathe.
Write down what's troubling you.
You might not have to deal with it right now. This can also help you get some perspective, and see if its something you're feeling in the moment, or an ongoing challenge.
Talk it out.
Give someone in your support network a call, and share what's happening. If you don't have someone you can talk to, jump on to the Leapers slack - there's
usually someone who around to listen.
Browse our resources.
If you have an idea of what's on your mind - browse our list of resources specially designed for the self-employed.
Celebrate the Little Wins.
Write down or share the things you've acheived today - even small things count. You might be doing even more than you realised!
Check-in with others.
On the average days, it's being connected with others that can turn it into a great day - checkin with your network, even if its just saying good morning.
Keep those boundaries in place.
Make sure you're taking breaks during the day, and putting down the computer at the end of the day. Don't push yourself too hard, so today continues to be okay.
Be kind to yourself.
If today is 'just okay', consider whether you're being hard on yourself - perhaps, today is just as good as it needs to be. Not every day needs to be your best.
Celebrate the Little Wins.
Write down or share the things you've acheived today - even small things count. Post them in Leapers #littlewins to get some recognition too!
Write down what's going well.
What is it that's working really well for you right now? Reflect on the past couple of weeks, and observe the things in place when you're feeling great.
Invest in you.
When things are going well - this is exactly the time you can put things in place to support yourself on those days where things aren't. Invest in personal development, building your support
network, or just take some time to rest.
Support others.
Keep up to date with your support network - see how others are doing, and share the positive experiences with those who might be struggling.
Download this useful introduction to mental health, and why it’s so important to consider, especially when you don’t have an employer.
The popular guide includes a range of ideas and techniques to help you take care of your own wellbeing when you’re self-employed.
The Spring Budget was announced on March 15, 2023 - we unpack the key announcements and what they mean for the self-employed.
Just because you've delivered the work doesn't always mean the project is over. Freelance Project Director Charlotte Kelly shares her advice on having your work accepted by the client.
Our annual study into the mental health of the self-employed during 2022 has been published. How are we doing, and what more can be done to support each other?
Stay updated on the latest advice, guidance, resources and community activity by subscribing to Leapers.
We're a safe space to discuss your experiences, benefit from the experience of others and support each other - we call ourselves the team for people without a team.
There's conversation, coffee, gifs, channels where you can #askanything, share your #littlewins, people to #cowork with, or just have people to say hello to in the morning.
And it's entirely free.
