Mental health
We know things are difficult at the moment. If you find yourself feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, there’s free support and advice available to you.
Urgent mental health support
Local mental health crisis helplines
If you feel you need mental health support now please contact one of these 24/7 helplines – they’re available to anyone of any age.
Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan 0800 953 0285 (freephone).
Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside & Glossop 0800 014 9995 (freephone).
If there’s an immediate risk of danger to life, you should ring 999.
If you’re having suicidal thoughts
The Samaritans are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Call 116 123 for free or visit the Samaritans website for more contact details.
Greater Manchester suicide support
Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, Shining A Light On Suicide can help you get the advice and support you need. Visit the Shining a Light on Suicide website.
Mental health advice and support
Five Ways to Wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are five simple things you can do to improve your mental health and wellbeing. These are:
- Connect with other people
- Be active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present
Visit the NHS website to find out more about what you can do to feel better. Explore our Helping Hand pages for practical advice on the five ways.
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine. Visit the Every Mind Matters website for support.
Mind
Mind can also offer advice and support for your mental health, including resources about the cost of living. Visit the Mind website for support.
Cost of living podcasts
There are free mental wellbeing podcasts to listen to on Spotify. These podcasts by Qwell support you to look after your own wellbeing through cost of living issues.
Free online wellbeing programmes
SilverCloud
Online programmes to help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience. You can choose to use any of the programmes. They are self-help, confidential and secure. Visit the SilverCloud website to access the programmes.
Living Life to the Full
Living Life to the Full is a series of free online courses to help improve low mood, overcome stress, sleep better and build confidence. Instant access to free self-help support is available online and totally free of charge if you live or work in Greater Manchester. The resources are available in 18 languages. Visit the Living Life to the Full website.
Addiction support
The NHS and charities provide lots of support around addiction.
Addiction support - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Addiction support is available in your local area
Bolton, Bury, Salford and Trafford - Achieve Recovery Services
Manchester - Manchester Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service
Tameside - My Recovery Tameside
Rochdale and Oldham - ROAR (Rochdale and Oldham Active Recovery)
Stockport - Healthy Stockport
Wigan - We Are With You Wigan and Leigh
If gambling is worrying you
If you’re worried about your own, or someone else’s gambling, free and confidential advice and support is available across Greater Manchester. Visit our gambling webpages for information on services that can support you.