A charity that works to break down the stigma associated with mental health has launched a new app aimed at improving people's mental wellbeing.

Suicide or Survive (SOS) is a community-based charity that works towards breaking down stigma and discrimination. It also aims to ensure that anyone affected by mental health issues has access to appropriate services.

SOS has been running ‘Wellness Workshops' around the country for the last five years and the experience it gained through this was used to develop the app. Features include a mindfulness diary, advice on how to take a mindful minute and short video presentations.

"We are extremely excited to launch our mobile application. It's important that we all understand that each and every one of us has a personal journey to mental wellness. The app will hopefully provide people with practical tools that anyone can use whatever their circumstances," explained SOS chief executive, Caroline McGuigan.

The app follows the launch of the charity's Wellness Workshops online last year. According to Ms MgGuigan, as people are online more than ever, SOS wanted to ensure that it was doing all it could to ‘harness this connectivity'.

"In a society where people are living online, we are now able to reach and have an impact on the lives of people in a whole new way," she pointed out.

Recent research carried out by Trinity College Dublin found that the majority of people who took part in the Wellness Workshops found them effective. Half of people who attended had experienced some type of mental health problem and overall, three in four of those who attended said that the workshop had greatly improved their wellbeing.

The new app is available from your app store free of charge, just search for Suicide or Survive. For more information on SOS, click here