The NHS are signposting people to the support they can access if in a mental health crisis throughout the winter.

A mental health crisis is when someone feels at breaking point and are urgently need help.

At the time someone might be feeling extremely anxious, feeling suicidal, or self-harming, or hearing voices, or feeling very paranoid.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said: “If you or someone you know experiences a mental health crisis this winter, or needs urgent mental health support, there are a number of mental health crisis services across Greater Manchester that you can turn to.

“They can be really valuable alternatives to attending A&E departments, which can become very busy over the winter period.”

The trust have listed the alternative options for those in need below:

NHS 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline

The NHS 24/7 mental health crisis helpline is for people of all ages who needs urgent mental health support for themselves or someone they know.

They are available free of charge, day or night, 365 days per year.

Run by experienced mental health professionals, they will:

•           Listen to you and help you work through immediate problems

•           Work with you to find ways to move forward or suggest ways of working

•           Give you information about, or refer you on to, other services that may be helpful.

If you live in Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, or Wigan, call 0800 953 0285.

If you live in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport or Tameside, call 0800 014 9995.

Other helplines

These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers.

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline.

The number will not appear on your phone bill.

Crisis Cafés – Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan

Community spaces 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.

They are delivered by voluntary community and social enterprise partners, supported by GMMH.

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 and Bury:

Bolton Listening Lounge

YMCA Bolton, 125 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1HA

Open: Monday to Sunday, 3pm to 10pm

Contact: Please call 01204 917 739 ahead of your visit, or email boltonll@gamily-action.org.uk or visit the website.

Bury - BIG in Mental Health is an independent charity run by, and for people with experience of mental and emotional distress.

They help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Their groups are free to attend and don't require a referral.