MyAlongside/Legal

Safety

If you or someone else is in immediate danger

Call your local emergency services (999 in the UK · 911 in the US · 112 in the EU) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Crisis lines (free, 24/7):

  • Samaritans (UK): 116 123 — call or jo@samaritans.org
  • Crisis Text Line (US/UK): Text HOME to 741741
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988
  • International Association for Suicide Prevention: find your local line

MyAlongside is a peer-support platform. We are not a crisis service, a clinical mental health provider, or a substitute for professional care. This page explains how we approach safety, what to do if you’re struggling, and how to help someone else.

If You Are in Crisis Right Now

Please do not wait. Reach out to one of the crisis lines above, or:

  • Call a trusted person who can be with you immediately
  • Go to your nearest emergency department
  • Tell your mentor — they are trained to help you find the right support

You can also use the Report button on any message to flag a safety concern to our team. For urgent situations, email safety@myalongside.com — we monitor this address and prioritise safety reports.

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

  • Take it seriously. If someone expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, treat it as real.
  • Listen without judgement. You don’t need to fix anything — your presence matters.
  • Ask directly: “Are you thinking about ending your life?” Asking does not increase risk.
  • Help them access support — share the crisis numbers above or offer to call with them.
  • Report the conversation to us using the Report button or email safety@myalongside.com.
  • If you believe they are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Our Platform Limits

Mentors on MyAlongside are peer supporters, not professionals. They are not trained counsellors, therapists, social workers, or medical professionals unless they explicitly state a professional qualification. Please do not rely on this platform as your sole source of support for acute mental health conditions, eating disorders, substance dependency, or any situation where professional intervention is indicated.

We strongly encourage all users to maintain a relationship with a qualified professional alongside any peer support they receive here.

Safeguarding

Our safeguarding policy requires mentors and staff to escalate concerns about abuse, neglect, or immediate risk of harm — including breaking confidentiality where necessary to protect life. We follow the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, and equivalent international frameworks.

If you are a professional working with a vulnerable person who uses MyAlongside, contact safeguarding@myalongside.com.

Content Moderation

Content that promotes or glorifies self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, or substance misuse is removed immediately upon detection or report. Repeat offenders are permanently banned. We follow Samaritans’ media guidelines for responsible reporting of suicide and self-harm.

Looking After Yourself as a Mentor

Supporting others through difficult experiences can be emotionally demanding. If you are feeling overwhelmed, compassion-fatigued, or affected by a seeker’s situation:

  • Pause your availability in Mentor Settings to take a break
  • Reach out to our mentor support team at mentors@myalongside.com
  • Use the same crisis resources listed above — you deserve support too

Report a Safety Concern

To report a concern about content, a user, or a conversation:

  • Use the Report button on any post, message, or profile
  • Email safety@myalongside.com for urgent concerns
  • In a life-threatening emergency, always contact your local emergency services first

Useful Resources