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Ways to Help Others

It can be really difficult to think of ways to help and support other people going through hard times. Often we want to help but are unsure what would actually make their life easier. Here is a collection of some ideas for supporting others and some things to keep in mind when you are offering help. 

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This list can also be used as a way to identify what help you might want to ask from others when you are going through hard times. I know asking for help can feel really hard to do, however, I am always so grateful when my friends let me know what they need and I can be there for them. 

What to consider when offering help:

1. Check in with your own capacity - are you emotionally, mentally and physically up to offering help at the moment?

2. Have your own support system - do you have people that can support you while you are supporting someone else?

3. Set time boundaries - how much time do you have to offer and can you honour your own needs?

4. Avoid over promising - is what you are offering realistic and achievable without compromising your own needs?

5. Check in with what they need - are you open to checking what support may be the most helpful for them?

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Supporting someone is a beautiful instinct and can be so meaningful however, it is important to be mindful that it does require energy and effort. Checking in with yourself before helping others to reflect on your intentions, capacity and own boundaries can be really important to ensure that you can show up without compromising your own needs. I know its cliche but you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you help others :)

Ways to Help in Person
Chores / errands

  • Grocery shopping with or for them

  • Running other errands

  • Picking up prescriptions or essentials

  • Laundry / folding / ironing

  • Cleaning a room / tidying up

  • Washing dishes

  • Taking out trash / recycling

  • Watering the garden

  • Pet care (feeding, walking, litter box)

  • Making a bed

  • Vacuuming/mopping/sweeping

  • Picking up kids

  • Driving them to errands

Emotional Support
(with Boundaries)

  • Offer a listening ear (without trying to fix)

  • Checking if venting or problem solving is needed

  • Validating emotions & feelings

  • Sitting with emotions without rushing them

  • Hold space for silence​

  • Let them know your capacity to listen

Companionship / presence

  • Parallel play / study

  • Body doubling (working side by side)

  • Sitting together / hanging out

  • Staying over for company or support

  • Going for a walk / gentle exercise

  • Driving / accompanying to an appointment

  • Attending a low-key event together (movie, class, online)

  • Gentle conversation / check-in calls

  • Encouraging journaling or creative activity together

  • Sitting outside or in nature together

Other practical supports

  • Help with organising tasks or planning

  • Light administrative support (emails, scheduling)

  • Reminders for appointments or tasks

  • Helping research or find resources (online or local)

  • Light tech support (setting up apps, online forms)

Self-care & rest

  • Napping together

  • Encouraging or doing a self-care activity together

  • Guided relaxation / meditation

  • Listening to music or audiobooks together

  • Doing a calming hobby side by side (drawing, knitting, puzzles)

  • Distraction / watching a show, listening to music, playing games

  • Hugs

Food / nourishment

  • Meal prep / cooking together

  • Eating a meal together

  • Bringing snacks or drinks

  • Baking or preparing small treats together

  • Grocery bag unpacking / fridge organisation

  • Making a meal plan together

  • Ordering takeaway

  • Filling up a drink bottle

  • Making a snack box to leave in each room

  • Bringing disposable cutlery and plates

Ways to Help From a Distance
Texting & Checking in

  • Sending gentle “thinking of you” messages (with no pressure to reply)

  • Regular check-ins (“morning” / “end of day” texts)

  • Voice memos for a more personal touch

  • Sharing small updates from your day to maintain connection

  • Sending reminders for meals, meds, appointments (if welcomed)

  • Asking specific, low-effort questions (“Did you get outside today?”)

  • Invites to catch up when they're able to

Creative & Personal Touches

  • Making a playlist for different moods

  • Sending memes, videos, or things that might make them smile

  • Writing a long message or email expressing care and appreciation

  • Sharing photos (pets, nature, daily life)

  • Creating something for them (art, writing, little digital notes)

Calls or Virtual Presence

  • Phone or FaceTime calls

  • Virtual “body doubling” (studying, chores, life admin together)

  • Sitting on call in silence while each doing your own thing

  • Watching a show or movie together online

  • Doing a shared activity (drawing, journaling, gaming)

  • Keeping them company during difficult moments (e.g. before/after appointments)

  • Setting up regular times during to week to call

Practical Support (Remotely)

  • Helping organise schedules or to-do lists

  • Researching resources or support options

  • Assisting with emails, forms, or applications

  • Booking appointments (if appropriate)

  • Setting up shared planners or reminders

  • Helping break tasks into manageable steps over message or call

  • Help them to do tasks (eg. figuring out how to pay bills, registering for things, or book things)

Care Packages & Deliveries

  • Sending a care package (comfort items, letters, small meaningful things)

  • Ordering groceries or a meal delivery

  • Sending their favourite snacks or drinks

  • Mailing handwritten letters or postcards

  • Gifting a subscription (streaming, music, audiobook, meal kits)

  • Arranging practical deliveries (medications, essentials, groceries)

Emotional Support
(with Boundaries)

  • Holding space over text or call (listening without fixing)

  • Sending validating messages and reminders they’re not alone

  • Sharing grounding or coping ideas (if they want them)

  • Creating and sending playlists, notes, or affirmations

  • Checking in after hard events or appointments

  • Being consistent and reliable in your presence

This website is a work in progress (and probably always will be) ♡

Disclaimer: Parts of a Whole is a peer-created resource, not a substitute for professional or medical advice. I’m not a licensed mental health professional.

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

If you’re outside Australia, visit findahelpline.com for free, confidential local support.

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