What we do
We run a short, structured programme for people living with depression in places where formal care is out of reach. It costs almost nothing to deliver.
Free mental health support for your wellbeing.
A free five-session mental health support programme, based on research from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Free · 12 languages · takes about 2 minutes
Who it helps
Adults with mild to moderate depression, supported in their own language — including English, Arabic, French, Chinese, Urdu, Bengali, Indonesian, Portuguese, Tajik, Amharic, Malay and Spanish.
Why it works
Peers — people who have lived through depression themselves — check in each week. The format is built on five randomised trials.
The programme
How it works
Five sessions over five weeks. No clinic, no waiting room, no lengthy referrals.
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Create your account
Sign up in about two minutes with your name, email and a password. No referral or appointment needed.
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Get instant access
Your place is ready straight away — no confirmation to wait for. You go right to your first session.
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Start session 1
A short, guided reading sent straight to your phone. Around 20 minutes, at a time that suits you.
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Work through the programme
One session per week, each building on the last. Practical, evidence-based tools you can use straight away.
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Complete the course
Five sessions done. Most people notice a real shift in how they relate to stress and low mood.
Eligibility
Is Beside right for me?
The programme is open to anyone experiencing low mood or depression. You don’t need a diagnosis, a referral, or any previous experience with therapy.
- Are 18 or older
- Are experiencing low mood, low energy, or depression
- Can commit around 20 minutes per week for five weeks
- Are not currently in mental health crisis
If you’re struggling right now and need urgent support, please reach out to a crisis line in your country. Beside is not an emergency service. Find support near you →
What you’ll get
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Evidence-based
Built on the WHO Step-by-Step programme, tested in five randomised controlled trials across four countries.
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Completely free
No fees, no subscription, no waiting list. Beside is a charity — the programme will always be free.
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Simple & private
No video calls, no clinic visits, no lengthy appointments. Just you and your peer, at your own pace.
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Your language
Available in 12 languages including English, Arabic, French and Chinese — with more being added.
What people say
I didn’t think an online programme could help. But having someone check in on me every week — someone who actually understood — made a bigger difference than I expected.
Hana, 34
Beirut, Lebanon
I’d been on a waiting list for therapy for eight months. Beside was there when nothing else was. By session three I could feel myself starting to come back.
James, 28
Lusaka, Zambia
The sessions are short enough that you can actually do them. And knowing my peer had been through it herself meant I didn’t have to explain from the beginning.
Nour, 41
Cairo, Egypt
Built on evidence
Based on the WHO Step-by-Step programme — tested in five randomised controlled trials across four countries. Read the full evidence summary →
Free · No waiting room
You can do this.
Taking the first step is the hardest part. Everything after that, we do together.
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