Risk Assessments

Online Safety Act – Risk Assessment

Service: Help Minds Heal
Service type: User-to-user online forum
Intended audience: Adults (18+)
Last review: [add date]

Service description
Help Minds Heal is an online peer-support forum focused on mental health discussion. Users can create posts and reply to others. Content is primarily text-based and moderated by staff.

Assessment scope
This risk assessment considers the risks of illegal and harmful content on the Service, as well as potential risks to children should they gain access, in line with the UK Online Safety Act.

Identified risks
Potential risks include the sharing of unlawful content such as hate speech, harassment or threats, encouragement of self-harm, misuse of personal data, or other content that may cause harm. If children were to access the Service, additional risks could include exposure to sensitive mental health discussions and emotionally distressing material.

Risk level
Taking into account the nature of the Service and its safeguards, the overall risk level is assessed as low to medium.

Risk mitigation measures
Safeguards in place include clear Terms of Service, community conduct rules, an explicit 18+ age restriction, user reporting tools, manual moderation, and the ability to remove content or restrict accounts. Content that breaches the rules or may cause harm is addressed promptly and proportionately.

Detection and response
Content may be identified through user reports or moderator review. Reports are reviewed as promptly as reasonably possible. Actions may include content removal, warnings, account suspension or termination, and escalation where required by law.

Mental health and safety considerations
The Service is a peer-support community and is not a substitute for professional medical or crisis support. Content indicating an immediate risk of harm to self or others may be escalated for moderation review. Where appropriate, users may be signposted to external support services.

Children’s risk and access
The Service is intended for adults aged 18 and over and does not target children. Users must confirm their age at registration. Where under-18 use is identified, accounts may be removed. Given these safeguards, the residual risk to children is assessed as low.

Residual risk
Some risk remains due to the nature of open discussion. However, the measures in place reduce risks to a level that is proportionate to the size, purpose, and functionality of the Service.

Review process
This risk assessment is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to the Service or its moderation practices.