Assistive Tech for Mental Health & Wellbeing

Tools to support focus, reduce stress, and help manage your studies

If you’re living with a mental health condition — or just feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low on motivation — assistive technology can help. These tools can support your focus, keep you organised, and reduce study pressure when things feel tough. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to use them — they’re here for anyone who finds them useful.

You might also like our blog post on AI resources to help you stay well, organised and on top of things — full of practical tips and tools

🧘 Tools to Calm Your Mind

🧘 Tools for study stress

  • NotebookLM – AI tool to summarise reading materials and help organise notes.
  • Microsoft Immersive Reader – built into Word, OneNote, Teams, Outlook, Edge browser. Reads text aloud, simplifies page layout, offers line focus and colour changes.
  • Edge PDF Reader with Copilot – reads PDFs aloud, summarises and simplifies documents in the browser.
  • Safari Reader View (Mac, iPad, iPhone) – strips out ads and clutter from web pages for easier reading.
  • Goblin Tools – free online and app-based tool that can break down tasks, check tone, and help with planning — great if you struggle with getting started on writing tasks.
  • Forest / Focus Keeper / Pomodoro timers – simple tools to support sustained focus and give natural breaks to avoid burnout.

😴 Tools for Sleep & Rest

  • Pzizz – soundscapes for relaxation, sleep, and focus.
  • Calm Sleep Stories – free bedtime stories and soundtracks to help you switch off.
  • Sleepio – NHS-linked CBT app for better sleep habits.
  • Android Bedtime Mode – part of Digital Wellbeing, helps you wind down by muting notifications and turning the screen to grayscale.

✅ Tools to Stay Organised

  • Microsoft To Do – free with your QUB account; make simple task lists that sync across devices.
  • Trello – visual boards to organise assignments and group projects.
  • Notion (free student plan) – flexible tool for notes, tasks, and project management.

QUB Tools

(To request access to MindView, Genio or Scholarcy, book in for a session here or contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator.)

  • Read&Write – Available via student desktop. Reads text aloud, simplifies complex documents, offers screen masking to help reduce visual distractions.
  • MindView – mind mapping tool to help break big tasks into smaller steps and reduce overwhelm.
  • Genio (Glean) – flexible audio note-taking tool. Helps capture lectures without the pressure to take perfect notes. You can listen back and add notes when ready.
  • Scholarcy – helps reduce academic overwhelm by turning long articles, chapters, or reports into clear summaries and flashcards. It’s a great way to manage heavy reading loads and stay on top of revision without burnout.

Quick Tips

✅ Use Genio or Dictate if writing live notes feels too overwhelming — record the lecture and listen back later.
✅ Use Immersive Reader or Edge PDF Copilot to make reading easier when focus is low.
✅ Try Goblin Tools to help break tasks into small, achievable steps — great when feeling stuck or anxious.
✅ Block notifications with Focus Modes while you study.
✅ Use a Pomodoro timer to balance short bursts of focus with regular breaks — helps prevent overwhelm.

🧰 Getting Started with Assistive Tech

Not sure where to begin? Here’s how to choose the right tools:

  1. Know Your Needs – What’s most challenging for you?
  2. Pick Your Style – Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?
  3. Start Small – Try 1–2 tools before adding more
  4. Check Device Compatibility – Apple, Android, Windows, etc.
  5. Explore & Adapt – Try free versions and see what sticks

🎯 Try this: AHEAD’s “Discover your AT” tool  helps match tools to your needs.

👉 AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide – explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working

💬 Need More Support?

QUB offers free wellbeing support alongside assistive tech:

  • SU Advice – practical help with finance, housing, and more.
  • QUB Wellbeing Service – counselling, workshops, and support.
  • TalkCampus – a safe anonymous community of students who can share and talk aout the ups and downs of life.

Support and Training 

  • 👉 You can attend training to learn how to use any of these tools. Check here for upcoming workshops. Some licensed tools are available after training — we’ll help you get access if they would be useful for you.
  • 👉 You can book a session with the Assistive Technology Coordinator if you need help
  • 👉IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.