We all go through tough times, and people help us through them. Other times we have been worried about other people’s mental health. Whether they are a friend, family member or colleague, there are many ways to support somebody you care about.

The first person to approach is the family doctor, they should be able to advise about treatment and may refer you to another local professional.  

If you’ve noticed changes to how you think and feel that concern you, talk to your GP about them. There might be an obvious cause for your feelings – like bereavement or work stress – or you might not know why you feel the way you do. It’s ok to seek help either way.

Many of us find it hard to find the words to talk about how we’re feeling. But you don’t have to put off making an appointment until you’re at a crisis point. Being prepared can make your appointment feel a little easier. The sooner you go, the sooner you can start to feel better.

If you are feeling like ending your life or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress. 

A free 24/7 helpline run by GMMH is also available to help anyone who feels their mental health is beginning to suffer, call @GMMH_NHS 0800 953 0285

Below is a list of mental health support contact details you can contact to help with any mental health feelings you may be experiencing.

Community spaces across Greater Manchester known as ‘Crisis Cafés’ or ‘Listening Lounges’ offer a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment for anyone over the age of 18, who is feeling low, anxious, struggling with negative thoughts, or just wants to talk to someone during evenings or weekends.

 The spaces offer support and advice from trained mental health workers in a relaxed environment, providing visitors with safe out of hours mental health support, whilst also taking pressure off emergency services, including busy A&E Departments, especially during the winter months.

 The hubs are delivered by voluntary community and social enterprise partners supported by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) and, they are based in six locations across Greater Manchester – Bolton, Manchester City Centre, Harpurhey, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan.

  An individual who previously accessed support at one of the Crisis Cafés said, the team were“calming and reassuring” and finding the service was “just what I needed at just the right time.”

 Locations, opening times, and contact details for the Crisis Cafés and Listening Lounges in Bolton are as follows:

Bolton Listening Lounge, in partnership with 1point North West

Silverwell House, 1 Silverwell Lane, Bolton BL1 1QN

Open: Monday to Sunday, 3pm to 1am

Contact: Please call 01204 917739 ahead of your visit, or email listeningloungehelp@1pointbolton.org.uk